GE 3

• Religion


  A system of symbols which acts to establish powerful, pervasive, and long-lasting moods in men by formulating conceptions of a general order of existence and clothing those conceptions with such an aura of factuality that the moods and motivations seem uniquely realistic
• Religion


  A unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, i.e., things set apart and forbidden—beliefs and practices which unite in one single moral community called a Church, all those who adhere to them
• Religion is one of the strongest unifiers prevalent across the globe
• Worldwide, nearly 84% of the global population identifies with a religious group
• Globalizer


  An entity, such as a person, company, organization, or technology, that contributes to globalization
• Religion as the globalizer refers to the idea that religion has been a major force in connecting people across different cultures and geographies, long before the modern concept of globalization
• Globalization of religion


  The spread and interaction of different religious traditions, beliefs, and practices across the world, facilitated by the development of information and communication technologies, migration, trade, and other factors
• Christianity


  • The spread of Christianity through missionary work and colonization had a profound impact on the Americas, Africa, and parts of Asia
• Islam


  • The expansion of Islamic empires facilitated the spread of the religion throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe and Asia
• Buddhism


  • Buddhism spread from India to various parts of Asia, influencing cultures and philosophies in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia
• Islam


  A major world religion that was promulgated by the Prophet Muhammad in Arabia in the 7th century CE. The Arabic term "islām" literally means "surrender," which reflects the fundamental religious idea of Islam—that believers (called Muslims) accept surrender to the will of Allah (God)
• Muhammad began receiving what Muslims consider to be divine revelations in 610 CE, calling for submission to the one God, preparation for the imminent Last Judgment, and charity for the poor and needy
• Globalizing effect of early Islam

  • Cultural and Religious Integration: Early Islam unified a vast and diverse region under a single religious and political framework, fostering a sense of unity and shared identity among people from different cultures
  • Trade and Commerce: Islamic societies established expansive trade routes that connected the East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies. This included the famous Silk Road and maritime routes in the Indian Ocean
  • Law and Governance: The Sharia law and Islamic governance models provided a structured legal system that was adopted in various forms across the Islamic empires
  • Art and Architecture: Islamic art and architecture, with its unique styles and innovations, spread widely, influencing the design and aesthetics in regions where Islam became prevalent
• Christianity


  A major world religion that emerged from the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth in the 1st century CE
• Missionaries played a crucial role in spreading Christianity worldwide
• European colonial powers carried Christianity to the Americas, Africa, Asia, and beyond
• Today, there are over two billion Christians globally, belonging to various denominations
• Christianity as a globalizer in the New World

  • Spanish and Portuguese Colonization: With the conquests of the Americas, Christianity, particularly Catholicism, was spread by Spanish and Portuguese colonizers. They established missions and churches, converting indigenous populations and integrating them into the Christian faith
  • Cultural Exchange: The spread of Christianity led to a cultural exchange between Europe and the New World, influencing local customs, languages, and traditions
  • Social Structure: Christian doctrine influenced the social structure of colonies, often becoming intertwined with governance and law
  • Education: Christian missionaries established schools and universities, which became centers for learning and the spread of Christian teachings
• Types of Religious Organizations

  • Church
  • Denomination
  • Sect
  • Megachurch
  • Cult
• Church (ecclesia)


  A large, bureaucratically organized religious organization that is a formal part of the state. It has most or all of a state's citizens as its members. People automatically become members of the ecclesia when they are born
• Denomination


  A type of church organization that is closely integrated into the larger society but is not a formal part of the state. In pluralistic nations, several denominations coexist. People are usually born into a denomination and consider themselves members throughout their lives, even if they don't actively practice their faith
• Sect


  A smaller, more exclusive religious organization that often emerges as a breakaway group from a larger church or denomination. Sects tend to be more rigid in their beliefs and practices. They may reject mainstream society and emphasize personal salvation. Examples include the Amish and the Hutterites
• Megachurch


  A large church where more than 2,000 people worship on average every weekend. Some megachurches have over 10,000 worshippers, and the largest U.S. megachurch, located in Houston, has more than 35,000 worshippers
• Cult


  A new or unconventional religious movement. Although the term "cult" often carries negative connotations, it refers to a new or unconventional religious movement. Many world religions began as cults. Most modern cults are not violent and may attract followers seeking alternative spiritual experiences
• Heaven's Gate


  • Founded by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles in the 1970s
  • Believed in extraterrestrial life and that they were aliens
  • Committed mass suicide in 1997 to join a spaceship trailing the Hale-Bopp comet
• Televangelism


  The use of modern mass media such as television or radio to speak of the faith. Usually, this is done to convince other people of one's own beliefs. It is common with Christianity but also occurs with other religions. The word is a combination of television and evangelism
• Televangelism began as a uniquely American phenomenon, fueled by a largely deregulated media environment where access to television networks and cable TV was open to those who could afford it. The increasing globalization of broadcasting has allowed American televangelists to reach wider audiences through international broadcast networks
• Televangelists


  Either official or self-proclaimed ministers who devote a significant portion of their ministry to television broadcasting. They conduct services, preach, and often ask for donations
• Globalization's influences on various religious beliefs and practices

  • Increased Interconnectivity: Globalization has facilitated the spread of religious ideas and practices across borders, leading to increased interconnectivity among different faiths
  • Religious Pluralism: As people migrate and societies become more diverse, there is a rise in religious pluralism. This has led to greater exposure to and acceptance of various religious traditions
  • Transnational Religious Movements: Globalization has given rise to transnational religious movements, allowing religions to expand beyond their traditional geographic boundaries
  • Economic and Social Influences: The global economy and social factors have influenced how religions operate, sometimes leading to the commercialization of sacred traditions
  • Challenges to Traditional Practices: The global exchange of ideas can challenge traditional religious practices, leading to reforms or resistance within religious communities
  • Interreligious Dialogue: With Increased interaction among different faiths, interreligious dialogue has become more important, promoting understanding and cooperation
  • Hybridization: The blending of different cultural and religious elements, known as hybridization, has resulted in new forms of religious expression
  • Diasporas and Migration: Migrants and diasporas play a crucial role in the globalization of religion, contributing to the expansion of globe-spanning religious networks
  • Media and Technology: Advances in media and technology have allowed for the creation, circulation, and consumption of religious images, narratives, and practices on a global scale
• Religion can be both a source of conflict and a catalyst for peace, depending on various factors and contexts
• Religion as a Source of Conflict

  • Identity and Beliefs: Religion can be a powerful part of individual and group identities. When religious beliefs are perceived to be under threat, it can lead to conflicts
  • Intolerance and Extremism: Intolerance towards other religions or extreme interpretations of religious texts can incite violence and conflict
  • Political Manipulation: Sometimes, political leaders may exploit religious differences for their own agendas, leading to sectarian violence
• Religion as a Catalyst for Peace

  • Moral Guidance: Many religions preach peace, compassion, and understanding, which can be powerful forces for promoting harmony
  • Interfaith Dialogue: Religious leaders and organizations often engage in interfaith dialogue to promote mutual respect and peace
  • Social Services: Religious groups provide social services that can alleviate poverty and social tensions, contributing to societal peace
• Religious extremism


  Obsessive enthusiasm related to one's own or a group's devotion to a religion. A concept that has been viewed as a high sense of ideological commitment that is expressed through certain actions that show deep loyalty to a belief system. Includes practices that characterize and define rituals and customs of many religious groups
• Interfaith Dialogue


  The positive and cooperative interaction between people of different religions, faiths, or spiritual beliefs, with the aim of promoting understanding between different religions to increase acceptance and tolerance