Spirituality and international development

Abstract

Abstract: In the first place, we will refer to the current conceptions of international development and in particular to the human development approach, showing the contribution that a spiritually ori- ented approach to development can make especially in relation to the latter. Second, after defin- ing the meaning of the sphere of spiritual values in relation to development as a fundamentally qualitative dimension, we will describe the capacities of reflexivity and relationality as the two main means by which the former can be accessed. Third, we will present the different actors and spheres involved in a spiritually oriented international development, emphasizing that this approach understands the sphere of spiritual values as an open domain that penetrates and influ- ences market, government, family, society, culture and religious spheres. Fourth, we will offer some examples of current practices that seek to promote a spiritually oriented international development. Finally, we will make conclusions, including problems and challenges that today presents a spiritually oriented approach to international development.