Religion in Global context 2(Cultural defence, Religion and development, Pentecostalism) Flashcards
Who argued that religion acts as a form of cultural defence?
Explain.
What two nation examples does he use?
Explain how this should the process of cultural defence.
-Bruce. Religion unites a community against an external threat and this often gives it a prominent role in politics. Religion has special significance for its followers because it symoblises a groups collective identity.
-Poland and Iran
-Poland; From 1949 to 1989, Poland was under Communist rule imposed from outside of the Soviet Union. Although the Catholic Church did not always challenge the communist regime openly, it served as a popular rallying point for opposition, e.g. actively supporting solildarity free trade union movement that contributed to the fall of communism.
-Iran; Western capitalist powers and oil companies had long influence in Iran, installing pro-Western regime headed by the Shah. During the 1960s and 70s, his successor embarked on a policy of rapid modernisation and Westernisation. Islam became the focus for resistance to change and to the Shah. The 1979 revolution brought the creation of the Islamic Republic in which clergy held state power and were able to impose Shari ‘a law.
Why is Haynes critical of Bruce’s Iranian example for cultural defence?
-However, Haynes argues that the Iranaian revolution was not typical of the Middle East, it was led by religious leaders. In countries i.e. Saudi Arabia the religous leadership is closely linked tied to the local elite, who in turn are tied to Western imperialism. As such, local religious leaders are opposed to local fundamentalists, who regard them as enemies of Islam.
According to the secularisation theory what does modernisation undermine?
How might religion also contribute to capitalism? (Protestantism)
-The secularisation theory argues that modernisation undermines religion. As technology destroys belief in the supernatural.
-Weber’s argument that the protestant work ethic may have also helped bring modern capitalism to the world.
Who examined the relationship between God and globalisation in India?
What does Hinduism allow for in contemporary Indian society regarding economic prosperity? (ultra-nationalism)
-Nanda.
-Nanda examines the role of Hinduism, the religion of 85% of the population, in legitmating the rise of a new Hindu ‘ultra-nationalism’ and the prosperity of the Indian middle class.
According to secularisation what socio-economic group are less likely to be religious?
What do surveys show in India?
Why does Nanda argue this is happening?
How are previous tensions around religion and wealth resolved?
Why does Hinduism legitimate a triumphant version of Indian nationalism according to Nanda?
How has Hinduism penetrated the ‘secular state’?
-According to the secularisation theory, the prosperous, educated, middle class are the people who will be first to adopt a secular worldview.
-Surveys in India show that educated Indians are more religious than rural illiterate counterparts.
-Nanda points that this increasing religiosity is the result of the middle-class’s ambivalence about their new found wealth, stemming from a tension between their new prosperity and the traditional Hindu belief in renouncing materialism.
-This is resolved with modern holy men who preach the message that desire is not bad, but a manifestation of divinity that motivates people to do things.
Business friendly versions of Hinduism legitimate the position of the middle class and allow them to adjust to globalised consumer capitalism.
-Hinduism also legitimates a triumphalist version of Indian nationalism. Politicians and the media constantly promote the view that India’s success in the global market is due to the superiority of ‘Hindu values’.
-Hinduism has also penetrated public life and secular state; e.g. ‘Hindu sciences’ such as astrology are taught academically.
Whose theory does Berger argue Pentecostalism acts the ‘functional equivalent’ to?
What lifestyle does Pentecostalism demand of its members?
How does this promote economic development?
Who within the religion leads this?
Along with religious ideas what do Berger and Weber also point is needed for economic development?
-Weber’s Protestant ethic, encouraging the development of capitalism in the same way as Calvinism did in the 16th century.
-Like Calvinism, Pentecostalism demands an ascetic(self-denying) way of life emphasising personal discipline and hard work. This encourages its members to prosper and become upwardly mobile.
-For Berger something like Protestantism is necessary to promote economic development and raise a society out of poverty. -This can be led by an active minority with an ethic of this-worldly asceticism, such as Pentecostalists.
-Weber and Berger argue that along with religious ideas natural resources are also needed for economic development. I.E. Brazil has a backwards economy.
What does Lehmann argue was the first phase of Christian expansion into Africa and Latin America? Second phase?
What is unique about Pentecostalism that makes it appealing to those in Latin America and Africa?
What has this led to the creation of in Africa regarding Christianity?
-Lehmann suggests the first phase of this was through colonisation, with Christianity being imposed on the indigenous populations by conquest.
-The second phase, over the last century it has spread because it gained a popular following mainly through pentecostalism.
-Pentecostalism creates new local religious forms, incorporating existing local beliefs(e.g. spirit possession), rahter than rejecting them with ones imposed from outside.
-In Africa, this has led to the Africanisation of Christianity.
What 3 key impacts of globalisation did Beyer identify on religion?
-Particularism, Universalism, Marginalisation.
-Particularism; religion used as an avenue for anti-globalisation activity. Religion often seen as opposition to cultural homogenisation. May have contributed to a rise in fundamentalism and is a feature of political conflict.
-Universalism; the opposite of particularism! Religious leaders emphasise shared values and common concerns.
-Marginalisation; religion is increasingly marginalised in contemporary society (may be a Eurocentric view and caused by factors other than globalisation.)
