In Search of the Spirit in Spiritual Assets

Abstract

This article discusses the concept of spiritual assets or spiritual capital in community development and social transformation. It argues that much of the existing discourse on the subject tends to be reductionist in its approach, often limiting discussion of spiritual assets to the social and cultural capital of religious organizations. The study proposes an understanding of spiritual assets which acknowledges the creative and sustaining work of the Spirit in enabling and motivating communities to envision, and discern paths of renewal and social transformation.

Spiritual capital (Adhyatmik Shompatti) – a key driver of community well-being and sustainable tourism in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

“…Largely, the focus has been on foregrounding l ocal voices in the decision-making process and on the residents' role as experts in evaluating the " tourism readiness " (Zhou et al, 2017, p. 339) of a place and in shaping and planning its desired future (Glover & Stewart, 2013;Soulard et al, 2018 ). Bennett et al (2012) & Ali, 2012;Smith, 2015;Tkaczynski & Arli, 2018 ). Similarly, in their study on Halal tourism in Indonesia, Ariyanto and Chalil (2017) regarded spiritual capital alongside intellectual capital in bringing about the achievement of optimal organisational performance.…”

“…Considering Hefner's (2003) definition of spiritual capital as " a sub-species of social capital " (p. 206), it can be regarded as a combination of the specific religious and cultural values that are found in a community setting, are reinforced by social networks, and have an impact on other community capitals. In fact, spiritual capital can be regarded as being made up of two components: i) structural, as it adds a further distinct asset and shapes the way the other existing ones are used (e.g., by providing an overarching vision for a locality's development); and ii) relational, as it contributes incrementally to the other capitals present in the community (Smith, 2015).…”