RELIGION IN GLOBAL CONTEXT

Nanda (Hinduism and Consumerism)- Nanda explains that the secularisation theory is incorrect because in his studies of developing societies(2007) 30% of Indians said they had become more religious in a society that is technologically advancing and developing. According to the secularisation thesis, as society develops religion is declined. Nanda notes that it is fashionable to become religious in India as members are given a chance to express their wealth and success to the community. This is because the globalisation process made the middle class more prosperous. (Although not perfect, 93% of Indians agree their culture is the most superior in the world, Hindu Ultra Nationalism.)

Redding (Capitalism in East Asia)- Redding explains that in countries of East Asia such as South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan have become successfully industrialised playing an important role for the global economy. This is because the process of Confucianism took place in these countries, an ethical and philosophical belief system focusing on hard work, self discipline and commitment to education similar to the processes of Calvinism. Thus the effect of this belief and value system leads to the productivity of capital.

Berger (Pentecostalism in Latin America) - Berger explains that Pentecostalism in Latin America acts as a functional equivalent to Weber’s ideology of the Protestant Ethic. In Latin America the Pentecostals embrace a work ethic and lifestyle similar to that of Calvinism. This is because they demand an ascetic lifestyle emphasizing personal discipline, hard work, and abstinence from alcohol and encouraging members to be upwardly mobile. Therefore it has a strong affinity with modern capitalism.

Giddens (Fundamentalism and Cosmopolitanism) - Giddens distinguishes between fundamentalism and cosmopolitanism.

The term fundamentalism is a relatively new one. Fundamentalists seek to return to a time when religion placed a massive importance on lifestyle. They believe their way is the only way; they are very traditional and avoid contact with those who think differently.

Cosmopolitanism however is a way of thinking that embraces modernity keeping with today’s globalising world. It’s open to new ideas, self spirituality and personal meaning.

Bauman (Fundamentalism as a response to Postmodernity) – Bauman goes further to explain that fundamentalism is a response to Postmodernity. He explains that postmodernity brings out freedom of choice, uncertainty and heightened awareness of risk which undermines old certainties about traditional life. Thus many people embrace new freedom of individualism where as some stay attracted to fundamentalism because of its absolute truth and certainty in the world.

Bruce (Monotheism and Fundamentalism) – Bruce explains that today’s globalising world threatens fundamentalist beliefs who have developed rigid rules about what to believe and how to behave. He regards fundamentalism as being confined to monotheistic religions such as Christianity. This is because the rules are written from the word of one God according to such religious instruments like the Bible and the Quran. By contrast he explains polytheistic religions as lacking in a single all powerful deity which opens more of a scope for different interpretations where none has an overriding claim to absolute truth.

Bruce (Religion as a Cultural Defence) – Bruce explains that a function religion performs is cultural defence. He explains that religion symbolises society’s collective identity and defends the community from threat from external factors by often having prominent roles in politics.

For example, when Poland was under communist rule imposed outside the Soviet Union, the Catholic Church was suppressed at the time but many of the Polish continued to embody national identity because the church served as a rallying point for Soviet Union against their oppositions.

Huntington (Clash of Civilisations) – Huntington pointed out that religion has become the centre of global conflicts. For example, the 9/11 attacks in 2001 from terrorists and religious extremists of Islam. He also argues that it creates global cohesions with civilisations and can cause conflict within them. This has occurred throughout history where people feel they have to defend their beliefs resorting to immoral means. Huntington now believes the west is under threat from Islamic beliefs which urges them to reassert their Christian identity.

· NANDA(HINDUISM AND CONSUMERISM)

· REDDING(CAPITALISM IN EAST ASIA)

· BERGER(PENTACOSTALISM IN LATIN AMERICA)

· GIDDENS(FUNDAMENTALISM AND COSMOPOLITANISM)

· BAUMAN(FUNDAMENTALISM RESPONDS TO POSTMODERNITY)

· BRUCE( MONOTHIEMS AND FUNDAMENTALISM)

· BRUCE(CULTURAL DEFENCE)

· HUNTINGTON(CLASH OF CIVILISATIONS)