religion and globalisation Flashcards
What are the 5 ways globalisation has impacted religion?
rise of cosmopolitanism due to secularisation.
impact of science and technology over religion
rise religious fundamentalism
religion as cultural defence
economic development
What is cosmopolitanism?
way of thinking about the world that embraces modernisation, tolerant of other views. Its also characterised by diversity, freedom, choice and uncertainty.
A threat to many religions preferring traditionalism, closed views, regulation and order
How has rising cosmopolitanism has impacted religious belief?
religion is based on questions that have no empirical evidence. example- “circularity of truth”.
if we begin to question the uncertainty of things, we will question the authenticity of religion.
What does Lyon say about religion and technology?
religion has become disembbeded from its traditional location.
Religion can be found through televangelism or “electronic churches” allowing people to access belief at their own convenience for a more privatised religious experience.
What does Helland say about online religion?
religion online- top down communiciation where religious organizations use internet to communicate their ideas.
online religion- cyber religion that may exist only online. E.g.- online global pagan community.
Does the impact of science and technology over religion mean increasing or decreasing religious belief?
increasing, rise of technology means that religion can reach more people through the media and gain larger following
However, an increase in science means religion can be falsified
What does Giddens say about fundamentalism and globalisation?
Giddens- fundamentalism is relatively new concept. rise in fundamentalism is bcuz they are reacting against globalised “post-modern” direction.
fundamentalists see trends towards liberalism and choice as undermining their religions. Thus they re-establish religion at fundamental level.
What are Castells 2 responses to post-modernism?
project identities- forward looking response which embraces progression and change.
resistant identities- defensive reaction of those who feel threatened and thus turn to fundamentalism
What does Bruce say about fundamnetalism?
fundamentalism tends to be found in monotheistic religion as they are rigid and have 1 truth.
western fundamentalism- develops as result of changes w-in own society. E.g.- Christian new right USA oppose homosexuality.
3rd world fundamentalism- develops as response to “outsider culture” forcing change on them. E.g.- Islamic revolution in Iran
What does Beckford say to criticise Giddens, Bauman, Castells and bruce?
ignores hybrid communities where cosmopolitanism and fundamentalism co-exist. E.g.- modern technology can recruit fundamentalist group members.
How is religion a cultural defence?
many countries use their religions to restore their individual identities. Religion thus acts as “cultural defence”- way of holding on to national heritage, tradition, culture and politics.
What is meant by secular fundamnetalism?
Davie- global spread of religious ideas and religious diversity has affected social policy in some countries.
example- 2010, France made it illegal for women to wear the veil in public.
How is Poland and Catholicism an example of religion as a cultural defence?
During era of Poland’s occupation under communist Rule, Catholicism was supressed but still acted as symbol of Polish identity.
Catholic church supported the “Solidarity free” movement which helped bring down communist rule.
What does Huntington say about globalisation and the “clash of civilisation”?
Religion often core of many global conflicts. Religion can bind civilisations together but can also cause conflict between these civilisations.
What else does Huntington say?
The west is under threat, especially from Islam, and a “west vs the rest! campaign is emerging and as such the west need to reassert their Christian identity.
How can we criticise Huntington?
Jackson- Huntington’s work based on “Orientalism”- stereotypes Eastern civilisations as fanatical, barbarian etc.
How has economic development impacted religion?
globalisation brought economic development to India. Led to rising affluence, India is becoming more religious, secularisation theorists would x predict this,
Nanda- this is result of tension between traditional Hindu belief in rejecting materialism and new financial success.
Tele gurus preach to m/c that wealth is x bad and can be spiritually balanced.
How has this created inequality in India?
m/c are more likely to be religious than the w/c. If it is preached that wealth is x bad, puts lower classes at a disadvantage.
