Globalization of Religion PDF

# Globalization and Religion ## What is Globalization? Globalization is the networking and expansion of once local products, beliefs, and practices into universal products, beliefs and practices often through technology. ## What is Religion? Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief...

# Globalization and Religion ## What is Globalization? Globalization is the networking and expansion of once local products, beliefs, and practices into universal products, beliefs and practices often through technology. ## What is Religion? Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and world views that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and to moral values. ## Most Well-Known World Religions * **Christianity** * Deity: Jesus * Adherents: 2.2 billion * Holy Book: Holy Bible * **Islam** * God: Allah * Adherents: 1.57 milliard * Holy Book: Quran * **Hinduism** * Adherents: 811 million * Many Gods * **Buddhism** * Adherents: 380 million * Leader: Buddha ## Religion in the "Information Age" Religion has entered the "information age" and has globalized at accelerating rates, in the methods religions use for teaching and in belief systems. ## Tools of Uniting People for Religious Purposes * Books * Movies * Cell phone apps * Social networks * Charity funds * Special internet sites * Religious schools ## Examples of Religious Globalization The image shows examples of how religions are globalized through apps, websites, and social media: * **Christianity:** "What would Jesus tweet?" * **Islam:** An image of a person using "Islamic Prayer Blade Reinvented", "Google Muslim", "Facebook" and a picture of a woman wearing a hijab. ## Globalization's Effect on Religion Religion epitomizes the definition of globalization due to the fact that it can be spread more efficiently than ever before through the use of different technological tools. * Examples include magazines, media, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, commercials, podcasts, cell phone apps, and much more. It is now possible for any religion to spread beyond national borders, allowing even small new religious movements to engage in overseas activities and leading to new unseen religious developments ## Small Religious Movements and Celebrity Influence Small religious movements are also spreading thanks to the celebrities following and advertising them. * An example is Tom Cruise and Scientology. ## Spread of Terrorism * **Risks:** Videos and audios in the Internet of sermons read by missionaries which contain extremist ideas, call for crimes, murders, terrorist attacks. * **The possibility of communicating with anyone across the world and sharing ideas provoke the spread of terrorists and expansion of their band.** ## Conclusion Globalization has a great impact on religion. As people and cultures move across the globe, as ideas are mobilized and transported by media technology, the religious globalization will go on and on. It has its pro and cons. People should cope with the flow of info and choose their own and peaceful way.