GLOBALIZATION OG RELIGION P1

• RELIGION refers to a complex system of beliefs, practices, rituals, ethics, and social structures that connect humanity to an order of existence, often involving a belief in a higher power or powers.
• Prehistoric Religion: Early human societies practiced animism, believing in spirits or supernatural forces inhabiting natural objects and phenomena.
• Ancient Near East: Mesopotamia, Egypt, and other ancient civilizations developed polytheistic religions with pantheons of gods and goddesses.
• Ancient India: Hinduism emerged as one of the oldest organized religions, evolving from the Vedic traditions of ancient India.
• Ancient China: Chinese religious traditions, such as Confucianism, Taoism, and ancestor worship, shaped the cultural and spiritual landscape of ancient China.
• Ancient Greece and Rome: The Greco-Roman pantheon of gods and goddesses influenced religious practices throughout the Mediterranean region.
• Judaism: Judaism emerged as one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, emphasizing the covenant between God and the Jewish people. It laid the foundation for Christianity and Islam.
• Christianity: Christianity originated in the 1st century C.E. with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
• Islam: Founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century C.E., Islam emerged in the Arabian Peninsula.
• Medieval and Renaissance Europe: Christianity dominated European religious and cultural life during the Middle Ages, with the Catholic Church as a central institution
• Modern Era: The Enlightenment challenged traditional religious beliefs and institutions, promoting reason, science, and secularism. The 19th and 20th centuries witnessed the rise of new religious movements, secularism, and religious pluralism.
• The Globalization of Religion refers to the spread of influence, adaptation of religious beliefs, practices, and institutions on a global scale.
• . Roudometof (2014) developed a model of four distinct glocalizations: indigenization, vernacularization, nationalization, and transnationalization.
• 1.     Vernacularization refers to the blending of universal religions with local languages.
•   Indigenization transforms a universal religion to suit the specifics of a particular ethnic group.

  e.g. The practice of Islam by various ethnic groups in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
• 1.     Nationalization constructs a link between the nation and church.

  e.g. The Philippines Independent Church and Independent Christian Denomination are an example of national modifiers to their religious identification (ex. Greek Orthodox Christianity)
• 1.     Transnationalization has complemented religious nationalism by focusing groups on identifying specific religious traditions of real or imagined national homeland.

  e.g. Iglesia ni Cristo is a Christian organization that is national in scope, but it has an international reach that is easily identified as Filipino roots and central authority.

   
• Church is a religious organization that claims to possess the truth about salvation exclusively. A classic example is the Roman Catholic Church.
• Sect is the sect that also perceives itself as a unique owner of the truth. However, it constitutes a minority in a given society.
• Sect is the sect that also perceives itself as a unique owner of the truth. However, it constitutes a minority in a given society.
• Cult was first introduced in 1932 by sociologist Howard Becker.
• Lanuza (1999) provides a comprehensive definition of a cult: “a non-traditional form of religion, the doctrine of which is taken from diverse sources, either from non-traditional sources or local narratives or an amalgamation of both, whose members constitute either a loosely knit group or an exclusive group, which emphasizes the belief in the divine element within the individual, and whose teachings are derived from either a real or legendary figure, the purpose of which is to aid the individual in the full realization of his or her spiritual powers and/or union with the Divine”.
• Christianity

  •       This religion dominates the Americas, Europe, and the southern half of Africa.

  •       Based on the life and teachings of Jesus, who is believed to be the physical Son of God through the impregnation of the Virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit.
• Islam

  •       They believe that there is only one God who is Allah, and that Muhammad is their prophet who conveyed His teachings as told by the archangel Gabriel.

  •       Muslims believe that Muhammad is the last in a series of great prophets. Their scripture is called the Qur'an or Koran.
• Hinduism

  •       Most of the population in India are affiliated with this religion.

  •       The believers of this religion are called Hindus.

  •       They are polytheistic or in simplest terms, they believe in many different gods.
• Buddhism

  •       This is the major religion across Southeast Asia and Japan.

  •       Its believers are called Buddhists.

  •       Promotes a solitary and spiritual way of life.

  •       Buddhists strive for a deep insight into the true nature of life and do not worship gods or deities.

  •       They focus on personal spiritual development.
• Judaism

  •       Jews believe that there is a single God (Yahweh) who not only created the universe but with whom every Jew can have an individual and personal relationship.

  •       They await the Messiah, who will be an earthly king. They believe in heaven, but that God determines where they go after life on earth.

  •       Ten Commandments is the basic code of law.
• Atheism and/or Agnosticism

  •       China is the country with the largest population of atheists and/or agnostics.

  •       Atheism is a denial of the existence of God, or that if He exists, belief in Him has no relevance to the life of man on earth.
• 1.     Religion as a global institution refers to the recognition of religious practices and beliefs that extend beyond national or cultural boundaries. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of religious institutions on a global scale, operating independently of specific economic or political structures. This perspective views religion as a binding force that connects diverse regions, similar to other global phenomena like trade, international relations, and mass media.
• Religion as a cultural resource sees religious systems as powerful tools that communities utilize to assert identity and seek inclusion in the broader global society. This perspective highlights how religious symbols, rituals, and narratives become integral to cultural expressions and empower marginalized populations. It underscores the role of religion in shaping cultural identity and providing resources for communities to navigate their place in the global context.
• 1.     Religion as an integral dimension of globalization posits that the formation, reformation, and spread of religions are inherent aspects of the historical process of globalization. This perspective asserts that what we understand as typical forms of religion and religious beliefs are outcomes and reflections of the broader global context. It explores the dynamic relationship between the historical evolution of religions and the overall process of globalization, emphasizing their interconnected development.
• Transnational means extending or operating across national boundaries.
• 1.     Distinct from Global: Transnational processes are anchored in but transcend one or more nation-states, whereas global processes are not tied to specific national territories.
• 1.     Missionaries and Evangelism: Religious organizations send missionaries to different countries to share their beliefs, convert people, and establish new congregations. These missionaries engage in personal interactions, organize events, and distribute religious literature.
• 1.     Media and Broadcasting: Many religious groups use television, radio, and online platforms to broadcast sermons, religious teachings, and messages. They create programs, podcasts, and websites to reach a global audience.
• 1.     Interfaith Dialogues and Conferences: Transnational religious institutions participate in interfaith dialogues and conferences. These gatherings provide opportunities for leaders and followers from different faiths to exchange ideas, promote understanding, and collaborate on common goals.
• 1.     Educational Institutions: Religious universities, seminaries, and schools operate internationally. They train clergy, scholars, and educators who then spread religious teachings and values in various contexts.
• 1.     Humanitarian Work: Religious organizations engage in charitable and humanitarian activities worldwide. By providing aid, relief, and support during crises, they demonstrate their faith in action and attract followers.
• 1.     Social Media and Online Communities: In the digital age, religious institutions use social media platforms, forums, and online communities to connect with followers, share messages, and build virtual congregations.
• 1.     Pilgrimages and Holy Sites: Pilgrimages to sacred places are significant for many religions. These journeys foster a sense of community and allow believers to experience their faith first-hand.