A Reasonable Global Way: Strategic Plan to 2020

Version 0.4 (draft) September 2015                           (Previous Version)

This document outlines the ‘strategic plan’ for the “global beliefs� site and any products derived from the site or activities associated with these beliefs.  

It has the following sections:

Objectives: 2

Contrasting Aims: 2

Core Values. 3

Core Beliefs. 3

Social Context 3

Implementation Steps. 4

1. Articulating the Beliefs. 4

1.1 Subject Selection. 4

1.2 Politics and Economics, Media and Art 4

1.3 How We Determine the Truth. 5

1.4 Intellectual Property Rights. 5

1.5 Editorial Control 5

2. Structuring the Propositions. 6

3. Promoting Debate on Selection, Structure Phrasing and Justification. 7

3.1 Web Site Feedback. 7

3.2 Open Forums. 7

3.3 Web Based Discussion. 7

3.4 Translation into Other Languages. 7

4. Becoming a Reference Point 8

4.1 Maintain and Improve Quality of Information. 8

4.2 Compare ‘Gold’ Level with Religious Doctrines. 8

4.3 Survey Acceptance of the ‘Gold’ Level Propositions. 8

4.4 Publicise Surveys and Analyses. 8

5. Promotion to the World. 9

5.1 Presentations. 9

5.2 Publications. 9

5.3 Initial Fund Raising. 9

5.4 Blog Site. 10

5.5 Develop Audios and Videos. 10

6. Fostering a Reasonable Community. 11

6.1 Establish the Global Beliefs Foundation. 11

6.2 Deductible Gift Recipient 12

6.3 Establish the Centre for a Reasonable (Atheist) Way. 13

 

 

 

 

Copyright © 2012-2017 Trevor J Rogers c/- the above address.

Objectives:

The objectives of ‘global beliefs’ are:

1.      To articulate reasonable beliefs and provide justifications for them,

- that the Board anticipates can be reasonably and in good conscience held;

- on matters often associated with religion, spirituality or the sacred;

   including related philosophical, scientific, historical and political matters;

- by a reasonable, informed, educated, sane, concerned person;

- in a set of propositions based on reason and the evidence;

- that form the basis for personal behaviour and social action that constitutes a reasonable way of life.

2.      To structure these propositions in a hierarchical fashion, so that:

- various sets of concise, introductory propositions provide simple summaries of the beliefs;

- other more descriptive propositions define and justify the summaries of the beliefs in more detail;

- explanatory propositions provide the detailed justifications, reasons and evidence for the beliefs; and

- instructive propositions provide practical guidelines and exemplary stories sourced from many cultures;

3.      To clarify the implications of these beliefs on the choices we make that guide our behavior,

- as well as the implications on society and individuals of the choices actually made;

- acknowledging that our choices reflect our values and vice versa.

4.      To promote wide debate on the validity of the selection of these propositions,

- at all levels, their phrasing and the reasoning and evidence behind them;

- in a wide range of languages;

- and to refine these propositions and the structure as we learn more;

5.      To provide a reference point for those interested in these issues,

- as an authoritative, reasonable source of information on these issues, and

- as a standard against which other belief systems can be measured.

6.      To promote knowledge of these global beliefs and values to the wider community,

- as the basis of a reasonable way of life

- especially among those who are young or unsure of their world view;

- and also among religious people of all faiths;

- by presenting the material in popular formats and digestible chunks,

- using new technologies as appropriate to spread the message;

- including hard copy, online videos and series suitable for broadcast,

- and especially in useful and appealing presentations suitable for students;

- covering a variety of summaries, perspectives and specific topic areas;

- and by providing links to related literature and other source documents.

7.      To foster the development of a community of friends and participants who support and contribute:

- to the development and promotion of these global beliefs and values and

- to fostering considered, polite and rational debate on these issues.

Contrasting Aims:

Without limiting the above objectives, or placing any arbitrary restrictions on the outcomes of reasonable analyses based on the available evidence, we anticipate, based on the conclusions reached to date, that these ‘global beliefs’ will be differentiated from other belief systems.

1.      Traditional religions usually identify particular texts and certain people as uniquely inspirational, nearly all involve belief in supernatural entities, and many involve god(s);

-         Whereas reason and the evidence does not seem to support these views;

2.      New Atheists, Sceptics and Rationalists often appear to be obsessed with “scienceâ€� and the scientific method as the only means of seeking the truth, and disparage traditional religion;

-         But epistemology, metaphysics, ethics and aesthetics precede “value freeâ€� science;

-         And though all religions have faults, they have also articulated useful insights;

3.      Managerial, or rather unthinking “modernâ€� approaches to life, based on vague notions of human rights, professional ethics /or democracy are fine but limited in their theoretical underpinnings;

-         They provide no defence against irrationality in other areas, and no ‘spiritual’ comfort.

 

Core Values

The values that guide this plan are those stated in the web site at: http://www.GlobalBeliefs.org/EN/0_0_2.php.

The derived, effecting and active values stated in other pages on the web site also guide this plan.

Consistently with these values, we commit to interact with the wider community, especially those with firm religious or anti-religious views, and those with strong political views, calmly, considerately and with respect, entering into open debate, putting our position firmly but without unnecessary offense.

 

Core Beliefs

The core beliefs that guide this plan are those stated in the web site at: http://www.GlobalBeliefs.org/EN/0_0.php.

 

Social Context

These global beliefs are being developed, as our humble contribution to the improvement of the general well-being of humanity, in light of the circumstances stated on the web site at: http://www.GlobalBeliefs.org/EN/0_1.php.

 

 

Implementation Steps

The essence of the approach outlined below is to continue the analysis and promotion of what are reasonable beliefs, with the participation of as many collaborators and contributors as can be effective, while promoting a global perspective and a consistent editorial direction.

Implementation steps are outlined with respect to each of the objectives stated above.

This strategic plan addresses actions to be taken over the long term – many years. 

An annual action plan will focus on goals for the short term that address each of these steps.

1. Articulating the Beliefs

The core of this approach is to identify what matters most to people generally, what are our ‘ultimate concerns’ that we hold sacred, and how should we express and explain these.

1.1 Subject Selection

The criteria for the selection of a subject area to be included in these ‘global beliefs’ can be expressed in various ways, as follows:

1.      Whether some knowledge of that area is required

for a reasonable, informed, educated, sane, concerned person

to adopt personal guidelines for a reasonable way of life,

in both personal and political spheres.

2.      What do you wish your children could understand so they can make informed choices?

3.      What understandings are required for us to be responsible custodians of life on this planet?

Status:         The current draft top level statements effectively define the subject areas to date.

Action:        1. Review and refine these statements, along with all the others.

1.2 Politics and Economics, Media and Art

If we choose to adopt truth and compassion as guiding principles, and if we accept our part of humanity’s responsibility for the fate of our species, and perhaps life itself, then we need to address the underlying beliefs that impact on global solutions to global problems. 

So these global beliefs need to cover not simply ‘religious’ matters, or reasonable responses to ‘religious’ doctrines (which some consider to be merely ‘personal’ matters), but also beliefs that underlie fundamental political positions.  Many people would consider going to war to defend their country a ‘sacred’ duty.  Many ‘citizens of the world’ would be more prepared to fight, risking their lives, for shared beliefs in liberal democracy and human rights, rather than for a particular country.  Nations are all flawed, but liberal democracy and human rights can be viewed as ‘sacred’.

Beliefs regarding the origins and attributes of our shared human nature, and beliefs regarding economics – how our human nature affects our choices regarding the allocation of resources – are fundamental to our political decisions at all levels.  So ‘global beliefs’ must address the divide into the political “left� or “right�, “progressive� or “conservative�, without being partisan – without supporting specific political parties or candidates.

Politics, at all levels, is dominated by communication: our media controls what we know about the world, and art and culture, in all its forms informs our attitudes and insights. 

 

1.3 How We Determine the Truth

Critical to the debate about what we should believe is the methods by which we come to these beliefs.  These include philosophical debate, the scientific method, historical research, and so on, all based on reason and the evidence.  For each major subject area covered it is essential that these methods are also articulated as part of the whole structure.

Status:         At the ‘gold’ level, each domain of knowledge (philosophy, science, history, religion, media and art, practice and politics) begins with statements regarding its method of seeking the truth.

Action:        1. Review and refine these statements, along with all the others.

1.4 Intellectual Property Rights

The inspiration for these ‘global beliefs’ and the early drafts come from Trevor J Rogers, who has developed these ideas over several decades through extensive reading, research discussion and thought.  Mr Rogers claims full intellectual property rights, including copyright, over this material. 

Copyright over particular sections of the content of the site, including text, images, sounds and movies, which are not produced by Mr Rogers, or which are produced in collaboration with other parties, will be attributed to their creator(s) or their assigns according to law. 

A share in the intellectual property ownership for the overall site, and products derived from the site, may be assigned by Mr Rogers, at his sole discretion, to others who contribute significantly to the material improvement of the site and its contents.

Status:         Mr Rogers asserts copyright ownership on each page of the web site.

Action:        1. On going monitoring of the organisations proposed below, and contributions from individuals, to determine if or when to assign copyright.

                   2. Register logo as a trademark.

1.5 Editorial Control

Mr Rogers retains editorial control over the site and any statement of ‘global beliefs’ sourced from this site, in hard copy such as books, or any other format.

Mr Rogers may, at his sole discretion, assign, to specified individuals or incorporated bodies, editorial control over some or all of this site and some or all products derived from the site, based on his assessment of their understanding and commitment to the aims, values and implementation steps as defined herein and their expertise and capabilities.

If practical, an editorial committee may be established, consisting of interested parties or experts in particular fields, with sub-committees focussing on specific subject areas, where appointments to the committee may be by Mr Rogers or an Association established as below.  If this is effective and protected from takeover by supernaturalists and the uninformed Mr Rogers may relinquish some or all editorial control to such a committee or an editor who is advised by such a committee.

Status:         No such committee exists yet.  Mr Rogers wishes to retain editorial control.

Action:        1. Identify candidates for an informal editorial committee, whose role is to support and assist Mr Rogers in developing the web site.

                   2. Ongoing monitoring of the organisations proposed below, and contributions from individuals, to determine if or when to assign some or all editorial control.

                   3. Development of a succession plan if Mr Rogers become incapable or unwilling to continue in the editorial role.

2. Structuring the Propositions

Part of this strategy is to provide high level expressions of reasonable views on major issues, that can be easily adopted by those without the time, inclination or ability to assess the details, and to provide successive levels of explanation and justification of increasing complexity for those wishing to understand more fully and evaluate the basis for these global beliefs.

Each level of the propositions that constitute these ‘global beliefs’ has been assigned a rather arbitrary label, simply for ease of reference, in preference to using numbers or other labels.

Top Level:

A small number of simple, brief statements of the essential conclusions we draw from philosophy, science, history, religion, art and culture, for our personal practice and politics; and a final statement declaring the values we obtain from and reflecting on these conclusions.

Status:         Draft statements exist for comment and review: see Appendix (diamond level).

Action:        1. Obtain feedback and revise as required.

Next Level:

Each of the top level conclusions is expanded into a small number of supporting statements, which taken together expand or explain the top level conclusion.

These can be stated in various ways, and will be provided in:

·        shorter versions (platinum level) that all fit on an A4 page, to simplify understanding;

·        longer versions (gold level) that are comprehensive and justified with further detail.

Status:         Draft statements exist for comment and review.

Action:        1. Obtain feedback and revise as required.

Next Level:

For each of the ‘gold’ level statements, a further breakdown of about five to twenty propositions (silver level) that together, if true, justify the ‘gold’ level statements.

Status:         A few ‘silver’ level statements exist to justify some ‘gold’.

Action:        1. Mr Rogers to complete initial draft of ‘silver’ level statements.

                   2. Update web site to link ‘gold’ and ‘silver’ level statements.

Next Level:

For each of the ‘silver’ level statements, a further breakdown of propositions (bronze level) that together, if true, justify the ‘silver’ level statements, including references to the relevant evidence and underlying reasoning, the associated uncertainties, and reasonable alternative explanations.

Status:         Few ‘bronze’ level statements currently exist.

Action:        1. Mr Rogers to complete initial draft of ‘bronze’ level statements

                   2. Update web site to link ‘silver’ and ‘bronze’ level statements.

Supporting material, explaining, exploring or justifying these ‘global beliefs’ will be linked directly to the relevant statements and other links will provide a variety of access paths to suit readers’ interests.

Status:         None currently exists.

Action:        1. Action required to solicit more supporting material and link it in.

                   2. Mr Rogers to complete reviews of books referenced in developing these beliefs.

3. Promoting Debate on Selection, Structure Phrasing and Justification

It is essential to obtain feedback on the proposed global beliefs make changes as required.

3.1 Web Site Feedback

The web site will provide feedback mechanisms and forums for general comment.

Status:         Each page provides a button to initiate emailed feedback.

Action:        1. Add facilities for people enter on-line comment on each page.

                   2. Evaluate, as an alternatively, using Facebook for feedback and discussion.

3.2 Open Forums

Physical meetings will be arranged to promote discussion on specific issues.  These will initially be by invitation only.  Later they will be open to the general public, and may include topical lectures or debates on relevant issues.

Status:         No meetings have occurred yet.

Actions:      1.  After ‘bronze’ level statements have been drafted, initiate meetings

- initially in Melbourne.

                   2. Perhaps later meetings can be arranged outside Melbourne,

or wide area meetings arranged using the internet, eg Skype.

3.3 Web Based Discussion

Further on-line forums will be arranged to promote discussion.

Status:         A Facebook page exists, but is severely limited and has no ‘friends’.

                   No other links established.

Action:        1. Update and promote Facebook page.

2. Consider other forums such as Yahoo or Google Groups.

3. Consider conducting live web based meetings.

                   4. Request links to this site from other ‘friendly’ sites:

Eg Atheists, Agnostics, Sceptics, Rationalists, Secularists

3.4 Translation into Other Languages

To promote wider discussion, the web site will be translated into other languages.

Status:         Web site is currently structured to accommodate other languages, but all the content is in English (and will remain so until ‘bronze’ level is done).

                   Software for on-line member forms uses reference data for language specific text.

Action:        1. Begin with one language (eg French) to translate into, then do others.

                   a. Translate text pages – using on-line translators and volunteers;

b. Translate language specific reference data for online software.

c. Ensure ‘flag’ for language is included in top level menu.

d. Release to production.

e. Promote in foreign language media.

4. Becoming a Reference Point

Part of this strategy is to set the agenda, to focus on the real issues of concern in an accessible way, presenting a justifiable reasonable position as a base position from which others deviate.

4.1 Maintain and Improve Quality of Information

Ensure all material presented is well researched and based on reason and the evidence.

Avoid material that is unnecessarily offensive: criticise false beliefs, not the believer.

Status:         Existing site is high level only, not demonstrating its research base.

Existing site is perhaps too blandly inoffensive to be interesting.

Action:        1. As lower level statements are added, ensure links to the literature are provided and sources are legitimate and reputable.

                   2. Request reviews from ‘friendly’ people and academic experts:

Eg Atheists, Agnostics, Sceptics, Rationalists, Secularists

4.2 Compare ‘Gold’ Level with Religious Doctrines

Analyse the differences between the major global religions (Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Baha’ism) and the ‘gold’ level propositions, distinguishing between ‘fundamentalist or literalist’, ‘traditional’ and ‘liberal or progressive’ streams of each religion.

Status:         Not Started.

Action:        1. Start when ‘bronze’ level statements are drafted and reviewed.

4.3 Survey Acceptance of the ‘Gold’ Level Propositions

Survey selected groups on their acceptance of the ‘gold’ level propositions, including religion affiliation, indicators of the respondent’s position on the ‘literalist’ to ‘progressive’ spectrum, and demographic details.

Initially, perhaps, survey experts, such as academics, members of professional associations, Nobel laureates and so on.  When resources permit, cover political leaders and candidates and wider circles.

Status:         Not Started.

Action:        1. Start when ‘bronze’ level statements are drafted and reviewed.

4.4 Publicise Surveys and Analyses

Publicise the comparisons of supernatural religions, and the views of influential people such as those in politics or business, against what are ‘reasonable’ beliefs.

By this action we set the agenda around the truth, rather than cultural relativism.

Emphasise what we share in common.  Highlight fundamental differences.

Status:         Not Started.

Action:        1. Start when analyses have been completed and reviewed.

5. Promotion to the World

A major component of any strategy to address these issues is to educate the general population – leaders and their constituents – to a better understanding of the issues.

5.1 Presentations

Presentations will be offered to interested groups to broaden awareness and promote discussion.  These may include:

·        Atheists, Agnostics, Sceptics, Rationalists, Secularists;

·        Religious or multi-faith and political groups open to these issues.

Status:         None arranged as yet.

Actions:      1. After ‘bronze’ level statements have been drafted, draft presentations and practice on ‘friendly’ audiences;

                   2. Record these presentations and post them online.

                   3. Later presentations can be arranged outside Melbourne.

                   4. Later presentations will be in languages other than English.

5.2 Publications

Produce and distribute a variety of publications: books, DVDs, web audios and videos, etc.

Status:         No publications exist yet.  Website allows for an emailed text newsletter.

Actions:      1. Create brief A5 booklet of annotated ‘gold’ level statements, text, distributed in person for a nominal fee, or through a publisher.

2. Create A4 summaries of Diamond and Platinum levels, to be distributed in person as handouts or laminated wall posters

3. Create A3 or A2 posters, pamphlets, and so on.

4. Mr Rogers to create a publishable book, including ‘bronze’ level propositions, with annotations, graphics, and so on.

5. Create lessons in these beliefs suitable for children of various ages and adults.

6. Translate these into languages other than English.

5.3 Initial Fund Raising

Establish the infrastructure to manage fund raising and market for donations.

Funds to be applied to maintenance of the web site, production of publications, and marketing.

Status:         No infrastructure exists yet.

Actions:      1. Develop a marketing strategy to attract an audience.

2. Set up a PayPal account, initially managed by Mr Rogers.

3. Solicit for funds:

a. Promote PayPal account on site.

b. Include invitation to donate in presentations and publications.

4. Consider selling other paraphernalia: calendars, badges.

5.4 Blog Site

Establish a separate blog page to function as a newsletter and discussion forum independent of but associated with these global beliefs, to appeal to the young, confused, alienated and religiously curious.

This will be issued for free, and advertising or sponsorship sought to raise revenue.

Status:         http://www.reasonableway.org/ is a parked domain, owned by Mr Rogers.

Actions:      1. Identify an editor, funding, web site host, set up technical infrastructure;

2. Devise editorial policies, covering:

a.   Structured knowledge domains, latest news, other threads etc;

b.  Rights and responsibilities of editor and ‘staff’;

c.   Quality, style, avoiding causing unnecessary offense, etc;

d.  Undertakings to be agreed in writing by contributors/commentators;

e.   Clear separation between editorial and paid advertisements or sponsorships.

3. Devise commercial policies, covering:

a.   Intellectual property – material can be used by ‘global beliefs’;

b.  Advertising, sponsorship, or other revenue raising;

c.   compensation or remuneration to any blog workers.

4. Identify contributors/commentators and initiate production of articles.

5. Publish news: The editor shall be responsible and accountable.

6. Promote blog site and use it to raise revenue.

5.5 Develop Audios and Videos

Develop short audios and videos and longer series of radio shows and videos that present these beliefs, to be distributed via the web, as a internet radio or TV, podcasts, You Tube or iTunes posts, broadcast media, or otherwise.

Status:         None exists as yet.

Actions:      Fund, plan, produce, distribute.

6. Fostering a Reasonable Community

Part of this strategy is to be seen to provide a substitute for irrational religion and parochial politics, to provide a sense of belonging, of a community reasonable people can identify with.

6.1 Establish the Global Beliefs Foundation

Define the purposes of a potentially global Foundation consistent with this plan.

Include in the Foundation’s statement of purpose the top level statements (as per Appendix 1), and that the Foundation’s management committee can update this statement via a specified review process involving the web site editor.

The Foundation’s activities shall be restricted to research, education and debate,

-        the production, dissemination and promotion of educational material, which;

-        involves understanding and refining the key statements of ‘global beliefs’ and associated values, and

-        also involves sourcing and presenting the justifications for these beliefs.

The Foundation’s rules will allow for branches or offices to be created based on the nearest major city or town (not states or nations).  A member can join any such branch they wish.

The Foundation will be controlled and managed by a committee, initially appointed by Mr Rogers.

This Foundation may appoint and remunerate in part or fully:

·        Trustees to local Centres established as below;

·        the editorial committee for the ‘global beliefs.org’ web site;

·        the editor of the blog site;

·        a secretariat to run the affairs of the foundation.

Status:         1.  Foundation and associated bodies do not yet exist.

2. The web site ‘global beliefs.org’ currently has software to maintain various grades of ‘membership’ (follower, supporter, contributor), allowing for online registration and maintenance of member details, including online reports of the membership.

2. The web site currently has software to publish a text based ‘newsletter’, which can contain links to new material, to update members on progress.

Actions:      1. Define purpose and rules.  Identify initial members.  Register.

2. Market for membership.

3. Encourage member feedback and participation in discussion.

4. Produce periodical newsletter notifying updates to site, etc.

6.2 Deductible Gift Recipient

Establish a fund as a tax deductible gift recipient (in Australia), managed by the Foundation. 

The initial goal of this fund is to ‘future proof’ the global beliefs initiative, by providing investment income to support the associated infrastructure (web site, association, foundation, etc), including, in the long term, a secretariat.

Initial capital investment target: $100,000.  A long term average return of about 6% with 3% inflation allows for a real return of 3%, or net $3,000 pa, to cover basic expenditure.

Ultimate capital investment target: $10 million.  Estimated real return of 3%, or net $300,000 pa, to cover fixed costs, a secretariat and educational and promotional material globally.

Status:         No infrastructure exists yet.

Actions:      1. Create a fund whose purpose is to fund the activities defined in this plan;

-        controlled and managed by the foundation,

-        with Mr Rogers as a “Guardianâ€� with veto over any resolution; and

-        plans for this “guardianshipâ€� to be handed over to appointed “patronsâ€�.

2. Report progress and actions on a dedicated page on the global beliefs web site.

3. Apply to the tax office for an ABN and deductible gift recipient status.

4. Open a bank account in the name of the fund and solicit funds.

5. Promote the fund on the web sites and in publications.

6.3 Establish the Centre for a Reasonable (Atheist) Way

Create a “Centre for a Reasonable (Atheist) Way�, perhaps as a separate Trust to hold the local assets and ensure their usage is consistent with the aims of the Foundation, with a majority of its Trustees appointed by the Foundation and perhaps an Association (or a company with members but no shareholders) to manage membership, conduct specified activities, and to appoint the other Trustees.

Define the aims of the proposed “R(A)W Centre� to be consistent with this document and the high level statements of these ‘global beliefs’, where its central purpose is:

·        education in, promotion of, and debate about, these global beliefs to the local area; and

·        the delivery of non-supernatural pastoral care to residents in or visitors to the local area, including opportunities for fellowship and (naturalistic) communion;

·        centred on ‘permanent’ physical premises, ideally with facilities for meetings, larger gatherings, group celebrations, educational activities, youth, parent and elderly groups.

Pastoral care is the delivery, by leaders and members of the Centre, to other members or to others in the wider community, of caring, listening, supporting, encouraging, befriending, helping, or counselling, including addressing the personal and social wellbeing of young people and adults, encompassing a wide variety of issues including health, social education, behavioural guidance and emotional support.  (In a religious setting this is often provided by pastors, chaplains, priests, etc and often referred to as ‘spiritual’ care.   In an educational setting pastoral care is provided by teachers and dedicated pastoral care workers).

The educational activities of the Centre may be funded (in part) by the Foundation.

The first centre will facilitate establishing other centres in other cities.

Status:         Centre does not exist.

                   http://www.globalreality.info/ exists as a parked domain, owned by Mr Rogers.

Actions:      1. Define purpose and rules.  Identify initial members.  Register.

2. Market for membership.  Raise funds.  Develop a business plan.

3. Locate and establish suitable premises.

4. Develop appropriate educational material.  Arrange delivery.

5. Recruit appropriately qualified pastoral carers (as volunteers).

The R(A)W Centre shall focus on education, pastoral care, promotion of a ‘reasonable way’ and may also cover local humanitarian action.

The R(A)W Centre may survey candidates for, or the occupants of, political office, and publicise comparisons their views against what are ‘reasonable’ beliefs, in an unbiased, non-partisan way, as part of its educational mission and its promotion of a ‘reasonable way’.

 

Global political action related to social justice and preservation of society may be addressed through http://www.globalobligations.com.