I think that the problem is not in religion. Religion calls for tolerance, love and peace. But the problem of trying to exploit religion for their own purposes. There are a lot of people and parties seem as interface of religion and eager him, but in the fact they only represent their interests.

Our cultural values, --- which often include particular religious beliefs, --- shape our way of living and acting in the world.

Religious communities can play an important role in moving a culture toward greater sustainability --- but religious ideology can also contribute to a disregard for sustainable practices.

Manifestations of sustainability and sustainable development discourse from the global North intersect the religious dimensions of sustainability discourse deployed by indigenous and other marginalized cultures, --- which have advanced their own understandings of such terms and their own constitutive values. In such cases, --- sustainability discourse is both decidedly religious and highly political.

http://college.wfu.edu/religion/wp-content/uploads/Johnston-ReligionCompass.pdf

http://www.unesco.org/education/tlsf/mods/theme_c/mod10.html

Thank you Sir for you prompt and very useful contribution.

Best Regards.

Dear @Sanjay, here is another good resource : Religion and Motives for Sustainable Behaviors: A Cross-Cultural Comparison and Contrast! 

"Many previous studies investigate altruism's influence on sustainable behaviors, yet few studies examine the more foundational relation between religion and sustainable consumption-related behaviors. Therefore, this paper builds on values research,self-determination theory,and inoculation theory to examine the link between religion and sustainable behaviors from a sample of both South Korean and US consumers (N = 388, average age = 33). Results show a moderating effect of religiosity with consumers who are more religious being morelikely to participate in sustainable behaviors (e.g., purchasing green cleaning supplies, recycling, purchasing or-ganic foods). In contrast to Christians and Atheists, highlyreligious Buddhists more likely participate in sustain-able behaviors, with little difference between locations..."

http://www.academia.edu/10510381/Religion_and_Motives_for_Sustainable_Behaviors_A_Cross-Cultural_Comparison_and_Contrast

Thank you Sir for you very valuable contribution.

Best Regards.

Dear Sunjay,

The very principles of religions have a strong impact towards sustainability. However, unfortunately some fundamental pseudo-religious directions endanger environmental and political (?) sustainability.

Religions that emphasize the vertical relationship of humans with God as the creator of this world, and our role to care for the earth and all its creatures will have a direct positive effect on sustainability.

Religions that emphasize peace and goodwill between God and mankind, and goodwill among mankind; goodwill and moderation in our thoughts and actions will bring peace, indirectly have a positive effect on sustainability.  And a religion that teaches us HUMILITY will teach us to leave only FOOTPRINTS in the steps of time.

Thank you Dr Miranda Yeoh for providing vital information about positive effects on sustainability.

Religions are often controversal with respect to sustainability. Some of their principles, like respect for other creatures and mankind itself play an important role. They provide means for a careful handling of natural resources, mostly rejecting the pure pursuit of yield. But others, especially those putting man in the centre of the world, may be contradictious. Furthermore, in many religions these principles are superposed by man-made, fundamentalistic opinions, which mostly serve only one purpose: To demonstrate, that the own religion is superior to all others and to serve as arguments for making war against everybody and everything.

The environment has been hit hard with several blows from machines & activities that were done within secular capitalist context in which religion was confined to places of worship & to individual following that does not have significant effect on the public. When those concerned (scientists, intellectuals, industrialists, and few politicians) became more aware that sustainability of life is seriously threatened, they thought of measures to conserve life. One of the cost-effective (!) methods is to utilize the unique role of religion to address the serious problems facing human existence. In other words, religious persons are called upon in a similar way to calling for an ambulance in case of emergency.  Professor Max Oelschlaeger urged to adopt (caring for creation) as a theme in places of worship (please see the brief note in the link). In my opinion, religion is much more important in the effort to conserve life on earth than all the politicians and experts combined  together.

http://yalepress.yale.edu/book.asp?isbn=9780300066456

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

"In our current world we see a lot of violence and environmental destruction. Much of this is done in the guise of following religious teachings. Conflict between religious groups tends to highlight perceived differences between them. And yet we have more in common than we have differences between us.

We all live on – and share – the one finite planet.

We are all part of, and dependent upon, the Earth’s ecosystems. We are not separate from them. Allforms of life, including our own as humans are entirely dependent on the natural world that sustains us maintaining its ecological integrity. Despite what some people think, that means that civilisation also depends on the natural world.

Because of this, religious faiths have at their core a love for this planet and its inhabitants and a deep reverence for life.  They share a common teaching that we have a responsibility to care for our world (which faiths often called Creation). In virtually all religions, we humans are called to be caretakers or stewards of the Earth.

Regardless of whether you have a religious faith or not, we have a responsibility to care for the ecosystems on which life depends.  We especially need to do this for future generations and other species with which we share the Earth and for people who are bearing the negative impacts of climate change and other environmental damage earliest and hardest. (It is important to note here that those who bear the impact most are usually the least likely to have caused it – and the least able to mitigate it.)

People of all faiths can take on this caretaker responsibility – as individuals, congregations and communities.

That is because faith is about attitudes and actions as well as words.

In the face of immense and increasing ecological damage and social injustices, we all need to need to affirm our love for this planet and its inhabitants and our deep reverence for life – and make decisions and take actions that foster and drive positive change for a healthier and more peaceful world.  Our faith – if we have one – can help us with this."

Please, see the following articles for more information:

http://www.unesco.org/education/tlsf/mods/theme_c/mod10.html

http://www.imd.org/news/how-sustainability-and-religion-come-together.cfm

Thanks @Prof Hazim and all, genuine faith requires us to be stewards to care for human life, flora and fauna, our waterways, our atmosphere.  But as humans, we have failed in our duty.  It's time for us to put ourselves and our actions right.

"Earth stewardship involves shaping trajectories of social-ecological change at local-to-global scales to enhance ecosystem resilience and human well-being. Over the next decade or two, society has a window of opportunity to radically redefine our relationship with the planet to reduce risks of dangerous global changes that could otherwise seriously degrade Earth’s life-support systems."

http://www.esa.org/esa/science/earth-stewardship/

Mr. Sanjay , 

What I have observed in my society and my lifetime, a small one though, is that religion is a very powerful social and spiritual force and that it must not be left to those who do not fully comprehend what it stands for.

In the right hands it can be the most powerful social reform that the world can hope for and in the wrong hands it can be an equally destructive force which I presume the world is now seeing.

"Silence of the heart is necessary so you can hear God everywhere--in the closing of a door, in the person who needs you, in the birds that sing, in the flowers, in the animals."

               -------   Mother Teresa -------

There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.

             -------  Albert Einstein --------

In my opinion, religion definitely has a role in sustainability. A clear example is that religious beliefs persuade one to respect environment as a main dimension of sustainability. To support this, the holy book of Islam (Quran) in the second Chapter and Verse 29, says: "He (God) it is Who created for you all that is in the earth".

Here, YOU implies on all people who should benefit from and are responsible to take care of earth (environment).

A true religion is one only and only that one will lead to sustainability. Therefore, search for the religion which gives inner peace, satisfaction. Sustainability will occur when the relation, of an individual, with the worldly things is weak. For instance, a person will be satisfied even if he/she loses his business/job. "Selflessness" is a key to sustainability. 

I think that the problem is not in religion. Religion calls for tolerance, love and peace. But the problem of trying to exploit religion for their own purposes. There are a lot of people and parties seem as interface of religion and eager him, but in the fact they only represent their interests.

I think it does though I don't have immediate verses in Bible or surahs in Quran to prove that as of now. e.g food, I would not feel good destroying food or throwing away food when there's someone who I know that is sleeping on an empty stomach or is in need of it. The values brought about by good religious teachings and admonitions propagate sustainability even though indirectly. My 2 cents though.

Religion innovate in any time,whatever reviewed from history or now,we can search many evidences about continuing innovation.there are some reform existed in values and contents as well as forms.

Religion is advantageous to some for sustained existence

Despite the Nigerian oil wealth, the majority of citizens continue to languish in abject poverty. Studies have shown that achieving consensus on sustainability values and actions is often difficult and painful, different stakeholders’ interests are forced to the surface, compared and contrasted, criticized and debated. Thus, some individual

stakeholders find the process threatening to their selfish agenda thereby rejecting the process entirely to pursue their own white elephant project.

http://www.jsd-africa.com/Jsda/Vol15No1-Spring2013A/PDF/Religious%20Corruption.A%20Dilemma%20of%20the%20Nigerian%20State.pdf

Religion is definitely a powerful tool towards promoting sustainability. To elucidate I would like to put forward the following points.

Dear Sanjay

In the absence of inter-religious conflict, all religions generally tend to make Human beings morally and ethically better, and increases sustainability; but in many religions every one may not  be equal. But even if there is no religion, some would always be more equal

Narayanan

Religion, Consumerism and Sustainability! Fine book about this issue!

http://www.palgrave.com/page/detail/religion-consumerism-and-sustainability-lyn-thomas/?K=9780230576674

Religion, values and sustainability

--- specific programs in which religion and sustainability have been linked successfully.

http://www.resilience.org/stories/2006-10-12/religion-values-and-sustainability

http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1160&context=jea

Religious systems have special relationship to Time, Space and the objects that fill this Space in their Time: everything should be in order ("Order is the first law of Heaven"). Religious sustainability is expressed in the triad of "time-space-human ritual" and, sure, refers directly to the stability of natural phenomena.

Dear all,

Thank you all for your very useful answers.

Best regards.

Religion itself means restoration of tie-up with God; in essence it is constructive.

Primary concern of the major religions of the world is salvation, nirvana,

moksha. The concerns you have listed are secondary.

it's a serious contemplation that you put forward here Sanjay – Thank you

I think there are many levels of sustainability in religion and not only in reference to the more recent one regarding the preservation of Earth.

 Looking at various religious traditions and beliefs - each has an aspect of the preservation of the human spirit or its sustainability. In some religions, the concept of heaven or immortality may relate to the state of spiritual sustainability in the life after this Earthly life.

 There are also in various religions the aspect of moral sustainability, or how to keep one’s life clean and void of corrupted thoughts or feelings and this can be related to the sustainable aspects of this life on Earth.

 There are certain rules that different religions offer that speaks of the sustainability of the body; what to eat and what not etc…

So, one can see that on different levels there are different approaches in different religions to the concept of sustainability regarding human life. 

But of course there are many references in religious records as to the respect of the Earth, nature and its huge range of living creatures, some of the most famous are the approaches by the Indigenous Tribes all over the world. There is lately even a stronger message that come, which says:  "This is a time for people of all colors to come together as one tribe, united by love for each other, and for our sacred Mother Earth." 

Dear @Sanjay, religion that frees humans to be wholesome creatures desiring peace and prosperity for all will drive towards sustainability.  But there are groups that give themselves a name of religion that cause death and pain to others.  I just watched the recent bombings in our friends' country, at the end of the fasting month, and I wonder when the wars and sorrow will end.

Religion that develops fundamentalists, may not constructively drive towards sustainability.

Not at all dear @Subhash! Fundamentalism is not sustainable itself.

Dear @Subhash and Ljubomir, I think you need to define 'fundamentalist' and 'fundamentalism', so that we all know exactly what we mean by that big term...

'Fundamentalist' means --- radical --- not having balanced approach.

All religions follow balanced approach focusing upon human being and nature. 

Best regards.

So far as my understanding goes, most of the religions preach, basically the same message in different languages and in different ways. The problem lies in the interpreters whose wrong-doings  give rise to breeding of " fundamentalism " and this is definitely not friendly to sustainability.

I agree with Ashis Ranjan Bandyopadhyay that most religions preach the same message in different languages and in different ways; and problem lies in wrong/distorted interpretations.

The beauty of humanity is in the differences not in everyone being the same or doing the same thing. (That’s also the beauty of love – you don’t love someone because they are exactly like you… Love is a bridge over differences.)

Religious are very different from one another and have being arising in different part of the Earth in different times; each carry - hopefully - an evolutional message. As an example; There is a mark different between: “An eye for and eye" concept in the Old Testament and "Turn the other cheek" in the New Testament.

However, in most religions there is a growing distance between its origin and its current practices. Plus, as many RG colleagues indicated; not every fundamentalist fanatic, who say they are religious - actually are. In the same way that not every person that claim to be a brain surgeon actually is. And not every person who claim to be sane actually is.

Hindu Saint Sri Ramakrishna used to say that God himself has become the entire universe. And another Hindu saint Sri Sankaracharya preached that Brahm (all pervasive formless God) alone is real and the world (universe) is an illusion. Behind these sayings lies the core teachings of Hinduism. If God is the fundamental substance of the universe and nothing else existed but this fundamental substance at the beginning, and if God had to create the universe with Himself as the raw material of the universe, then first He had to hypnotize himself into thinking that He is not God but something else. Then only it becomes possible for Him to create the universe. This is what is meant by illusion in the saying of Sri Sankracharya. When this illusion disappears, the reality gets revealed. Fundamentalism is an accute case of self hypnotism in which person sees enemies where there are none. Every human being considers his body as his own but in reality every cell of his body has its own life and those cells keep on doing their own work. Every living body thinks they have their own individual independent life, but in reality, all living bodies are floating in a single mass of air. And matter is continually transmitted from one body to another and so on.

Therefore Philanthropic thinking' and 'societal uplifting' involving all sectors of society only helps towards reducing the effect of the illusion described above. Similarly Christian teaching Love thy neighbor as thyself only helps the person get over his delusion. He is not doing any favor to his neighbor. Similarly love thy God with all thy heart and all thy soul only helps you get over the hypnotism.

Many previous studies investigate altruism's influence on sustainable behaviors, yet few studies examine the more foundational relation between religion and sustainable consumption-related behaviors.

Please see worth reading -- "Religion and motives for sustainable behaviors: A cross-cultural comparison and contrast" through link.

http://www.academia.edu/10510381/Religion_and_Motives_for_Sustainable_Behaviors_A_Cross-Cultural_Comparison_and_Contrast

Dear @Subhash, you have missed my answer, see above, dated June 24th! Duplicated!

Really I am sorry for this duplication! Dear Ljubomir Jacić.

Different religions are originated in different periods of time due to certain deficiencies in customs and beliefs of existing religions. Around 2000 years ago, Buddhism and Christianity originated as there was cruelty in wars and towards animals. 

When Buddhism was slowed, a new religion Islam originated preaching for truth. As there was another problems in the society.

Sikhism was originated in India to oppose the repressions of the rulers.

Christianity divided in Protestant and Catholic as principles of the old sect could not satisfy the new questions arisen due to development in S&T.

All the religions preach for equality and fraternity in the society. And all the religions in the world imagine that some persons represent the God (which is not true).

Religions fail when fundamentalists oppose the new developments in thought originated by increased complexity in society, development of S&T etc.

RELIGIOUS ENVIRONMENTALISM: THE CHURCH’S ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PARADIGM (THE CASE OF THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST IN GHANA).

See link...

http://www.ejbss.com/Data/Sites/1/vol2no8november2013/ejbss-1301-13-religiousenvironmentalism.pdf

Generalising religion is not easy. Actually, "religion" itself as idea and practice are much older than the word "religion" itself. Initially originated to explain the mysticism of nature, these are evoloved to regularise the human social behaviour. With time these infringed into Politics and governance also. Undoubtedly, religion played an important role in making us whatever we are today. Now, in modern times, separate theories/subjects, ideologies have developed and evoloved to explain the various mystics of life and all of these are claiming their share from religion. E.g. today we have medical sciences to explain our health, physical sciences to explain the things around, social sciences for group behaviour of people etc.. Naturally religion itself as it was is finding it difficult to sustain. It is trying to find its role in the modern world. So, how can it be source of sustainibility for others.

Dear All,

Here you are an example on an early indication of Christian sustainability:

Saint Francis of Assisi: Praise of the Creatures

Most high, all powerful, all good Lord!

All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing.

To you, alone, Most High, do they belong.

No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.

Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures,

especially through my lord Brother Sun,

who brings the day; and you give light through him.

And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor!

Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.

Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars;

in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and beautiful.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,

and clouds and storms, and all the weather,

through which you give your creatures sustenance.

Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water;

she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire,

through whom you brighten the night.

He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.

Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth,

who feeds us and rules us,

and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.

Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of you;

through those who endure sickness and trial.

Happy those who endure in peace,

for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.

Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death,

from whose embrace no living person can escape.

Woe to those who die in mortal sin!

Happy those she finds doing your most holy will.

The second death can do no harm to them.

Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks,

and serve him with great humility.

As you can see Francis of Assisi suggested to protect the most important commons – soil, water, air and landscape – in the 12th century.

Societies earlier were tied by ethics and religion has/had a great role to conjugate the people. Each religion has soft corners for vegetation,  creatures and environment. However, the basic principles of religion are being changed with time. Vedas praise natural forces and energies, but afterwards in Hinduism, theories of INCARNATION originated.

Valmiki Ramayana call Rama as an ideal person. But in Ramcharitmanas (written by Saint Tulsidas), Ram is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu..

It varies with various people and their practicing cults.

I do not have enough answer in this area.

The answer must be Yes.The concept of sustainability is based on the premise that people and their communities are made up of social, economic, and environmental systems that are in constant interaction and that must be kept in harmony or balance if the community is to continue to function to the benefit of its inhabitants— now and in the future. A healthy, balanced society (or nation, or community, depending on the strength of one’s magnifying glass) is one that can endure into the future, providing a decent way of life for all its members—it is a sustainable society. Sustainability is an ideal toward which to strive and against which to weigh proposed actions, plans, expenditures, and decisions. It is a way of looking at a community or a society or a planet in the broadest possible context, in both time and space.

http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/publications/informer/infrmr3/informer3c.htm

Article Religion and motives for sustainable behaviors: A cross-cult...

The globalization of human perception made so by the advancement of technology and openness also means that religions cannot be segregated to specific location any longer and neither can sustainable views. We are all in one boat and the boat is filling up with roughly one billion people more every decade and unless a unified view and action for better sustainability is reached humanity will not be sustainable. The Earth will continue on that for sure, like it did in Chernobyl to many people's surprise...

Thanks Andras for the moving poem from Saint Francis of Assisi  

Yes religion drives towards sustainability but it rests on the faithfuls as they live their lives in tandem to the basic truth of life that is green and sustainable. The teachings of the church can be related to sustainability when lived to the fullness. 

no wonder the blessed Pope Francis in Vatican City released a master piece recenty in relation to the link between religion and sustainability. Check up Pope Francis publication 2015 Laudato si

Yes religion drives towards sustainability but it rests on the faithfuls as they live their lives in tandem to the basic truth of life that is green and sustainable. The teachings of the church can be related to sustainability when lived to the fullness. 

no wonder the blessed Pope Francis in Vatican City released a master piece recenty in relation to the link between religion and sustainability. Check up Pope Francis publication 2015 Laudato si

According to the attached document "Principles of Sustainability" :

"The concept of sustainability is based on the premise that people and their communities are made up of social, economic, and environmental systems that are in constant interaction and that must be kept in harmony or balance if the community is to continue to function to the benefit of its inhabitants— now and in the future. A healthy, balanced society (or nation, or community, depending on the strength of one’s magnifying glass) is one that can endure into the future, providing a decent way of life for all its members—it is a sustainable society. Sustainability is an ideal toward which to strive and against which to weigh proposed actions, plans, expenditures, and decisions. It is a way of looking at a community or a society or a planet in the broadest possible context, in both time and space..."

Dear @Hussein, where is the religion here?

http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/publications/informer/infrmr3/informer3c.htm

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

"A religion without rules or God isn't sustainable."

                                                                    --------    David Harsanyi

Dear Ljubomir

Yours is a very good answer. But, to quote you, if the Principles of a religion inculcates the development of a "healthy, balanced society that can endure into the future, providing a decent way of life for all its members, i.e. a is a sustainable society, then that religion contributes to a development of a sustainable society.

Another thing not to be forgotten is that Religions of all hues have sustained, nay grown more, as you can see around us, despite all sorts of modern onslaughts. So religion, per se, appears very sustainable!

Narayanan

Dear Ljubomir,

Thank you for your remark.  I  think  D.r  Narayanan  explain the idea .

 Commenting on the wise statement of Dr. Narayanan Bhattathiri "Religions of all hues have sustained, nay grown more, as you can see around us, despite all sorts of modern onslaughts." :  Some thinkers said that religion is like a football. the stronger it is hit, the higher it rises. When an arrogant power targets a religion in order to suppress it or eliminate it, then the politicians of that power are real ignorant persons who have not read history books to see that an attacked religion re-bounces usually & becomes more sustainable than what was envisaged before.

Is God an Environmentalist? Religion’s Role in Sustainability

Often referred to as the world’s oldest surviving faith, Hinduism also places great emphasis on care of nature. As Al Gore pointed out in his 1992 book, Earth in Balance, environmentalists regularly cite the ancient Hindu dictum: “The earth is our mother, and we are all her children.”

http://www.triplepundit.com/2010/06/god-environmentalist-sustainability-relige/

If you look at: European wars of religion  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_wars_of_religion

ThenSustainability is difficult!

I don't think that religion has a direct influence on sustainability. Nowadays, religions and political parties are very much alike. They are for the benefits and well being of their leaders. Even though they have  great ideals, most of them will not come in action.  

Dear George

They may be different concepts, but are not exclusive. A leader may have both, and under such leaders both sustain.

Narayanan

Every religion has concerns towards sustainability. However, preachers and followers may not be serious enough.

Special religious education in different  religious communities may give results towards sustainability!

I strongly disagree.

Religions often prevent the development of society and prevent people from making rational decisions. Most often they lead to the simple preservation of the current state. Because reality, in its essence, is a perpetual change, it is that religions often obstruct and delay adjustment of societies to the ongoing environmental, technological, cultural and social transformations. It is also not true that "Nature / environment is the core of every religion". Many religions, mainly derived from the Judeo-Christian tradition, as the main axis of the world view man. In this vision, the environment has a subservient role to men. It is a resource, subjected to ongoing operation, whose future status is of marginal importance to an individual's "life after death".

In addition, all religions contribute to the formation and maintenance of artificial and unnecessary differences between people and entire cultures. They give rise to conflicts, devastating the environment and the economy of entire countries. Some cults could be even blamed for specific responsibility for the destruction of natural resources.

One should also pay attention to the fanatical opponents of such phenomena as the anthropogenic origin of global warming, using genetically modified organisms or mass vaccinations. These people overwhelmingly derived from religious circles and an important part of their argument comes from their theological systems.

Of course, in some cases it happens that religious leaders and/or religious communities are in line with certain activities related to the conservation of natural systems - and such a situation should take advantage of this chance.

However, one should realize that the concept of "sustainable development" is an oxymoron. You can not continue to develop and grow while remaining in balance. It's impossible. In the face of contemporary problems of overpopulation, depletion of water resources, the rising global conflicts and other negative social phenomena, religions usually prevents people from making appropriate and good decision for them. For example, supporting an unlimited procreation and describing it as "inherent right" lead therefore all humanity to the brink of extinction. Earth's resources are limited, it's obvious. Therefore, it is not possible the continuous expansion of the population and increase their prosperity, without wasting these resources and the whole environment.

Dear Mariusz

An excellent detailed answer; I mostly agree.

I am not a 'religionist; but I am also fed up a little with the know all 'modern science', and 'modern progress'.

You say that 'They give rise to conflicts, devastating the environment and the economy of entire countries.'. This is true. But, if there was no religion Humans would have found another excuse/reason for conflict, I am sure.

I don't think any religion, per se, is against preserving and sustaining natural resources. You said cults could be even blamed for specific responsibility for the destruction of natural resources'; Can you name them?

As regards population explosion, isn't it true that people living longer and longer and longer; also depletes resources? More benefit for lesser number? May be we are going 'Back to Methuselah', where ultimately only Methuselahs will be remaining (easier since somebody has done brain transplantation!). Population growth is decreasing in many developed countries, just because those already born and alive want to enjoy life for ever (if possible0 and there by deny many the opportunity to be even born! Is this right?

In a petri dish, balance is reached when growth fraction and cell loss factor are equal; in the earth now, whhich do you want? Some want GF to remain high; some want to decrease CLF.

Which is ultimately better for Humankind and nature? nature is not bothered about individuals

Narayanan

Qasim Mohammed Hussein is right in his saying

There is a mark difference between the core rising philosophy of a religion and the establishment that followed it. This is true to many other movements too, where the original intention was used for the benefit of the leaders that followed it.

These leaders usually exploit both the philosophy and their own people. And then initiate conflicts with other religions or philosophies in order to cement their control over their own people and subjugate others if they could also! Too many examples can be seen everywhere throughout history and up until now.

In the context of sustainable development – these so called leaders have aimed to the sustainable development of their own control regardless the Earth and nature.

We are now ripping the seeds of these characters everywhere, as it became embedded inside the concept of leadership – and a leader needs to be really exceptional to be able to escape it.

The nexus of religion and development concerns both faith-based organizations (FBOs) as well as so-called secular ones. It is critical to recognize the diversity within religious organizations and actors and not seek to essentialise, over-simplify or categorize. This is especially the case because religion embodies layers of ambiguities, potentials and risks – whether as ritual, institution, nongovernmental organization, leader or service provider.

http://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/DONOR-UN-FBO%20May%202014.pdf

Thank you Narayanan!

I agree with much of what you say, but not with everything.

It is true, that "if there was no religion Humans would have found another excuse/reason for conflict". Sure. But the existence of religion greatly increases the number of conflicts. What's more – for religious reasons people do terrible things (thinking it is good) – which presumably would never do if it had not been subjected to religious indoctrination.

I'm also think that not any religion "is against preserving and sustaining natural resources". Undoubtedly there are cults that are strongly associated with the so-called. "nature" and the environment in the broad sense.

But if You asking about those that can be blamed for the destruction of natural resources, i will mention one: the religion of people Rapa Nui from Easter Island. The habit of erecting of Moai statues caused deforestration of whole island. Those big monoliths was a symbols of power, and for islanders who erected them they were repositories of magical spiritual essence called mana. So religios rituals and overpopulation led to deforestation and extinction of natural resources and so to a broad ecological collapse – then to collapse of whole society. Without wood, for creating boats, they can't go fishing, so people start to eat rats. With destroyed soil they cultivated plants in miniature gardens, located in small caves and cavities – sheltered from the wind and other adverse factors. Various paleobotanical studies of fossil pollen and tree moulds indicated, that this island was formerly covered  with a trees, shrubs, ferns, and grasses. But islanders were unable to find the balance with their environment. The observation, that many statues was left unfinished near the quarry suggests, that no account was taken of how many resources were left on the island. 

The fate of people from Easter Island has broader implications. Just as island the Earth has limited resources. Like the islanders, the whole human population of the Earth has no practical means of escape. But so many religious people are waiting for help from "heaven" – rather than immediately roll up our sleeves and take the action here and now. Often they deny the negative effects of human activities or underestimate them – thinking that people will get some help from "superior force". It is completely irrational, but such is the influence of religion… 

And when it comes to the effects of the overpopulation, one would look at the works of the ethologist and behavioral researcher John B. Calhoun. His work on overpopulated rodents gained some recognition. Calhoun claimed that the overpopulation of rodents can be a model for the future of the human race. From own research he derived interesting conclusions about human societies: “Our success in being human has so far derived from our honoring deviance more than tradition. Template changing always has gained a slight, though often tenuous, lead over template obeying. Now we must search diligently for those creative deviants from which, alone, will come the conceptualization of an evolutionary designing process. This can assure us an open-ended future toward whose realization we can participate.”

Dear Mariusz

The info on Rapa Nui is new to me, and they digged their own grave, just as as they probably deserved!

But modern men, with no religious cults but other beliefs on progress, also does the same isn't it building up much more massive buildings, cities, etc., etc., and contributing more to environmental destruction than Rapa Nui ever did. How many of them are religious I wonder. That is what I meant that Humankind will find some reason for destruction of nature. If we take the religious establishments in Kerala, especially hindus, preservation of nature, with mini forests, pools (as water storages in effect) was part of the tradition, till around 50/100 years or so. But with affluence this is changing and much more wanton destruction Of course, many of them maintain a facade of religion for their purpose. Ultimately it is not the religion per se, but being religiose in any thing that we do (the word religion has many meanings) that is the core problem.

As regards, I am sure that 'progress' associated with overuse of resources does more ham to Humankind than over population, which I am sure will cause starvation deaths. (Don't say that I like starvation deaths, but I eat very very meagerly)

I would like you to visit Foundation for Deep Ecology and associated sites (Lu Guang foundation, Garth Lentz foundation, Ian Wylie, Daniel Beltra, etc) to see the wound modern man has caused. Overpopulation is never a match.

Dear Mariusz, we are on the same side and in the same boat, and we can't do anything about it too. Well, even if we survive it is only till the Sun eats us when it enlarges or, before that earth and moon becomes almost one! Do you think we will find another planet to stay?

Naranan

Narayanan

There is a higher path for our work and that the creation of a relationship-based system of mentoring, coaching, and leading the philanthropic process will result in philanthropy well beyond our present levels, and indeed beyond our highest hopes. A focus on shared value systems, on the good that can come from combining visionary nonprofits and committed philanthropists, will propel philanthropy to new levels, resulting in a greatly expanded third sector in our economy. Philanthropy is more about openings rather than about closings. It is about mutual aspirations of what is important and valuable to society.

https://www.philanthropyworks.org/philanthropy-relationships-jim-hodge

When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That's my religion.

--- Abraham Lincoln

@Mariusz,

To comment on the Rapa Nui people; if they had no faith they would not build any moais either. I admire these people for their faith and workmanship. However, they did not realize the importance of nutrients in the soil, which are essential to sustain them. With all the advances in science and knowledge even today many ignorant people / politicians abuse the environment for quick financial gains.

The Earth as a whole today is facing the Rapa Nui problem on a big scale. That is why every textbook on the environment/ geography, etc starts with the message from Rapa Nui.

I believe faith leads to sustainability, definitely. In the old days people did not know scientific details about the environment, but now the knowledge is available to all those who want to know. One needs to have faith on the planet and how it "works".

Religion and Sustainable Development: Analysing the Connections!

"Religion's role in development has generally been viewed with suspicion, if not indifference, in scholarly and institutional concerns with development planning and policy. The last two decades, however, mark a departure, with a burgeoning interest in religion as a category of analysis in development studies. In this paper, I address the religion–sustainable development nexus specifically, and argue that religion – for both its constructive and destructive potential – must be considered in the sustainable development agenda. Specifically, I identify three ways in which religion may play an important role in enabling sustainable development – through its values, through its potential for social and ecological activism and in the realm of self-development."

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/sd.1557/abstract

Is God an Environmentalist? Religion’s Role in Sustainability

In summer 2009, my small church started a Green Team. We felt a pioneering spirit as non-conforming liberals accepting responsibility for our modern environmental crisis. We were, as corporations and other NGOs have similarly done, positioning ourselves as problem solvers, eager to take on our collective environmental mess. But this venture, new to our congregation, was not new to the world stage or to the world’s faiths.

Read More ....

http://www.triplepundit.com/2010/06/god-environmentalist-sustainability-relige/

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

"No one is an environmentalist by birth. It is only your path, your life, your travels that awaken you."

                          -----  Yann Arthus-Bertrand

Qasim,

I agree. Religion in our present context seems to be defined as the human reaction towards a supreme being. In that case, religion will only be as perfect as the humans who react. With this definition, it is not the religion which promotes the sustainability but the supreme being who mercifully offers blessing to an individual, or to a world or community who seek that supreme being's centrality.

I thank all for very valuable contributions.

Best regards.

If religions spread peace, it will then bring sustainability.

Definitely, religion spreading peace will bring sustainability and well being in society.

Regards.

Some links may be observed.

http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/images/religionenviro.jpg

http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:831576/FULLTEXT01.pdf

http://www.triplepundit.com/2010/06/god-environmentalist-sustainability-relige/

http://users.wpi.edu/~gottlieb/files/35504811.pdf

If Pope Francis Wants to Help the Poor, He Should Embrace Capitalism!

Markets and globalization have lifted billions out of poverty and lessened global inequality. So what's behind the pope's agenda?

https://reason.com/blog/2015/09/21/if-pope-francis-wants-to-help-the-poor-h

Dear Sanjay and Ljubomir,

You have posted good readings.

Thanks!

Thank you Dear Subhash C. Kundu Sir and Dear Ljubomir Jacić Sir.

Human beings arrived late of the stage of planet Earth - we didn't create it – something else did – believe it or not. Romantically – or not – it can be said that it is a real Garden of Eden; give or take a few earthquakes and hurricanes.

Now that we have managed to take it over finally and completely – reducing other species to almost nothing - apart from a few viruses that are still fighting us for supremacy; It’s our responsibility to leave it in a better state than we got it. Can we do that, or is it God's problem? 

The recent news of Volkswagen says that some people will do anything for profit - and it seems that especially those who have enough for breakfast, (and think; how many breakfasts can a person eat every day?) The major change can only begin from within, - that is what I believe - if it’s religious or not I don't know.

It been said by wise people: “God will help those who help themselves"  This however is a different argument.

See A Conversation on Sustainability and Religion --- see link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBPM91nF0GA

i am not sure about every religion but Islam does it. The research about  Islam and environment, human rights and all other factors of sustainability is only a click away at google. 

Pope Francis delivers his opening address to the UN general assembly. 

"...In his address to the UN, the pope deployed even stronger language, implying that the environment is not merely a necessary tool for human survival, but an element of the same creation, and therefore in possession of rights.

“We Christians, together with the other monotheistic religions, believe that the universe is the fruit of a loving decision by the Creator, who permits man respectfully to use creation for the good of his fellow men and for the glory of the Creator; he is not authorized to abuse it, much less to destroy it,” he said.

Sacrifice the environment, and wrongs against the weak and the poor were bound to follow, he said. “The misuse and destruction of the environment are also accompanied by a relentless process of exclusion,” Francis told the UN.

“A selfish and boundless thirst for power and material prosperity leads both to the misuse of available natural resources and to the exclusion of the weak and disadvantaged,” he said..."

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/live/2015/sep/25/un-sustainable-development-summit-2015-goals-sdgs-united-nations-general-assembly-70th-session-new-york-live

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/25/pope-francis-asserts-right-environment-un

Dear Imran Bashir Dar,

Thank you for enlightening about Islam and sustainability.

Regards.

Thank you Dear Subhash C. Kundu Sir and Dear Ljubomir Jacić Sir for suggesting useful readings.

Regards.

A new series of analysis and data highlights the connection between religious freedom and sustainable development.

The following research summary indicates that religious freedom contributes to sustainable development—and its underlying socio-economic foundations—in a number of ways, including: 

(1) fostering respect for differing faiths and beliefs, including people with no particular faith; 

(2) helping to reduce corruption by allowing faith-based ethics to be voiced; 

(3) engendering peace by defusing religious tensions thereby reducing religion-related violence and conflict; 

(4) encouraging broader freedoms; 

(5) developing the economy as religious groups play a measurable role in the human and social development of countries; 

(6) overcoming the over-regulation associated with such things as coercive blasphemy laws; and 

(7) multiplying trust among employees whose faith and beliefs are respected.

http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/cornerstone/seven-ways-religious-freedom-contributes-to-sustainable-development

Thank you Dear Subhash C. Kundu Sir for enlightening us with these seven valuable points.

Regards.

Please see.

Regards.

http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/publications/informer/infrmr3/circlecommunity_1.gif

http://news.emory.edu/stories/2013/12/upress_grant_for_ethics_religion_environment/thumbs/story_main.jpg

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CtAcV77OL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/28/P_religion_world.svg/400px-P_religion_world.svg.png

http://www.sidewaysthoughts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Purpose-of-profit2.jpg

Please also see.

Regards.

http://www.lmmiller.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Sustainability-System22.jpg

Yes, religion does drive toward sustainability. In some religions, deities represent parts of the universe and its inhabitants thereby preserving these and the environment. In other religions, the faithful are required to abide by the precepts of the faith that include protecting both life and the environment.

Many thanks,

Debra 

Thank you Dr Debra Sharon Ferdinand for providing your valuable and clear views.

Regards.