Globalization

Globalization is a process whereby the institutions of our daily lives, including religion, are greatly [Page 464]affected. The term is commonly used to describe the current era. While the term globalization is notoriously difficult to define, it can be understood as the confluence of several factors, including communication connections, world economy, and migration. Technological advancements have permitted communication connections that are worldwide, allowing every corner of the globe to interact with one another instantaneously. The world economy, dominated by transnational corporations, has grown and become interconnected, leading to the erosion of national borders and the formation of worldwide markets. Opportunities and demands of the global marketplace have instigated voluntary and involuntary movements of people across borders. While reflecting on these factors, their religious dimensions and the consequences of globalization on religion must also be considered. Indeed, religion and the religious have an integral role in globalization. Religion and globalization can be characterized as having a cause-and-effect relationship. Missionary movements and religious territorial expansions have functioned to instigate globalization. Religions in all forms have become globalized, with technology, communication links, and migration playing a significant role in carrying religion across national borders. Globalization has accelerated both the spread of religion as well as the creation of the religious. While globalization has allowed religions to grow and achieve global status, it has also served as a corrosive agent, causing religions to break down from their traditional forms and localize to the areas in which they exist.