GROUP 3 FINAL TERM HAND-OUT

TERMS
RELIGION: a system of faith and worship
GLOBALIZATION: The continued interconnection and interdependence of nations, economies,
cultures, and such.
CULTURAL RESOURCE: Cultural resources are evidences of human activities, occupation or use that
is of significance with one’s culture, history, archaeology, or tradition. These evidences can or may be
artifacts, documents, buildings, structures, and objects that reflect the values, norms, rites, or action of a
culture or community. Cultural resources can be identified by surveys, historical documents and oral
evidences
POLITICAL RESOURCE: Political resources refer to the tools, assets, or capabilities that
individuals and groups can use to influence political outcomes. These resources play a crucial role in
shaping governance processes and public policy.
GLOBALIZING SYSTEM: how trade and technology have made the world into a more connected and
interdependent place
HUMAN CONDITION: all common happenings or that is shared by all human beings, regardless of
their culture, race, or background which includes all positive and negative aspects of life

A. RELIGION AS A CULTURAL AND POLITICAL RESOURCE

RELIGION AND CULTURE

Religion is extremely important to culture. From a sociological perspective, religion may be the most
fundamental, social institution (Durkheim), and the meaning-giving, substance of culture (Tillich). The
beliefs and practices of people who are inspired in similar ways by the same religion, gather together and
create culture.
Sociologist Emile Durkheim defined religion as "a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to
sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden - beliefs and practices, which unite in one
single moral community called a Church, all those who adhere to them." Thus, to Durkheim, religion
consisted of three fundamental things: beliefs and practices, sacred things, and a moral community of
adherents.
Christian Existentialist Philosopher, Paul Tillich wrote, "Religion is the state of being grasped by an
ultimate concern (God/Divine Creator), a concern which qualifies all other concerns as preliminary, and
which itself, contains the answer to the question of the meaning of our life."
Influence of Religion on Cultural Practices
Religion has a huge impact on a wide range of cultural activities, including art, music, language,
and food. It affects how people wear clothes, celebrate, grieve, and communicate with each other. It
encompasses various organized faiths, such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and countless
indigenous religions worldwide. Religion serves as a guiding force for individuals, communities, and
entire civilizations, impacting their cultural expressions, value systems, and social dynamics.
EXAMPLES:
A. Christianity and Its Impact on Western Society
Christianity has greatly influenced Western societies, influencing governance, literature, art, and
moral standards. It had a significant impact on social structures, judicial systems, and the cultural legacies
of numerous countries during the evolution of European civilizations.

B. Islam and Its Influence on Middle Eastern Cultures

The cultures, beliefs, and social systems of Middle Eastern civilizations have been profoundly
impacted by Islam. Islamic ideas provide a cogent foundation for both private and public life. These
concepts are represented in art, architecture, politics, and family relationships.
Religion, in its broadest sense, refers to a system of beliefs, practices, and moral values that
revolves around the existence of a higher power or powers. Religion has been an integral part of human
civilization for centuries, playing a significant role in shaping cultures, values, and social structures across
different societies. It provides individuals with a framework for understanding the world, defining their
beliefs, and influencing their behavior.

RELIGION AS A POLITICAL RESOURCE

1. Policy Influence: Religion can have a big impact on shaping political agendas and policies around the
world. For example, religious groups may push for laws that reflect their beliefs. In some countries,
religious organizations have successfully advocated for legislation that promotes traditional family values
or restricts certain behaviors based on religious teachings.

2. Mobilization of Support: Religious institutions have the ability to gather large numbers of followers,
making them a powerful political force. For instance, during elections, religious leaders may encourage
their communities to vote for specific candidates who align with their religious values. This support can
significantly influence the outcome of the election.

3. Moral Authority: Religion often carries a sense of moral authority, which can affect political debates
and decision-making. Politicians may seek endorsements from religious leaders to gain credibility and
support from their followers. For instance, a politician running for office might meet with influential
religious figures to discuss their stance on issues like social justice, poverty alleviation, or religious
freedom.

4. Conflict and Peacebuilding: Religion can both contribute to conflicts and play a role in peacebuilding
efforts. In some cases, religious differences have led to tensions and even violence. However, religious
leaders and organizations also have the potential to promote peace and reconciliation. For example,
religious leaders from different faiths may come together to facilitate dialogue and understanding,
fostering peaceful coexistence in areas affected by religious or ethnic conflicts.

These examples demonstrate how religion can serve as a political resource in the context of
globalization, influencing policies, mobilizing support, carrying moral authority, and playing a role in
both conflicts and peacebuilding efforts.

B. RELIGION AS GLOBALIZING SYSTEM

DEFINITION:
 • Globalizing system refers to the interconnected network and processes driving globalization,
encompassing mechanisms, structures, and actors involved.
• Globalization denotes increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries and
societies worldwide.
How Religion Functions as a Globalizing System:
• Despite structured beliefs, religions adapt to globalization while preserving traditions.
• The "Information Age" extends its influence to religion, shaping teaching methods, proselytization, and
belief systems.
• This results in the "Globalization of religion," where religions spread globally and engage in overseas
proselytization.

Key Points of Religion as a Globalizing System:

1. Spread of Beliefs:
• Religion spreads across regions and continents through trade, conquest, migration, and missionary
activities.
2. Cultural Exchange:
• Serves as a medium for cultural exchange, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together.
3. Ethical Framework:
• Shared values contribute to global ethical norms and standards.
4. Interconnectedness:
• Awareness of each other's beliefs leads to interfaith dialogue and understanding.
5. Globalization of Religious Institutions:
• Churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues expand globally.
6. Challenges and Conflicts:
• Differences in beliefs can lead to misunderstandings, divisions, and conflicts.
7. Response to Global Issues:
• Religion addresses global challenges like poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and human
rights violations, advocating for social justice and collective action.
(Source: Institute for Japanese Culture and Classics, Kokugakuin University, 1997, 2001)

C. RELIGION, GLOBALIZATION AND HUMAN CONDITION

Religion
- Emile Durkheim, a pioneering sociologist, viewed religion as a fundamental aspect of social life
that serves to create and reinforce a sense of solidarity and collective identity within societies.
Globalization
Anthony Giddens, a prominent sociologist, views globalization as the intensification of
worldwide social relations and interactions, resulting from advances in technology, communication, and
transportation.
Human Condition
 - The human condition encompasses the experiences, challenges, aspirations, and fundamental
aspects of being human. It encompasses themes such as mortality, suffering, happiness, identity, and the
search for meaning and fulfillment in life.

RELATIONSHIP TO EACH OTHER

Globalization and Religion

- Globalization has facilitated the spread of religious ideas, practices, and movements across
geographical, cultural, and linguistic boundaries. Advances in technology, transportation, and
communication have enabled the rapid dissemination of religious texts, teachings, and media, allowing
for greater connectivity among religious communities worldwide.
Religion and Human Condition
- Religion addresses fundamental questions about the human condition, such as the meaning of
life, suffering, death, and morality. Religion often plays a central role in shaping individuals' identities,
values, and sense of belonging within their communities.
Globalization and Human Condition
- The interconnectedness fostered by globalization has exposed individuals to new ideas,
perspectives, and ways of life, challenging traditional norms and identities.

RELATIONSHIP OF THESE THREE FACTORS

Globalization presents both challenges and opportunities for religion and the human condition. It
exposes people to diverse religious perspectives and worldviews, encouraging dialogue, tolerance, and
mutual respect. However, it also poses challenges to traditional religious institutions and practices, as they
adapt to the changing cultural and social landscapes of the globalized world.

EFFECTS
1. Identity Formation and Belonging
- The interaction between religion, globalization, and the human condition shapes individuals'
identities and sense of belonging within their communities.

2. Cultural Diversity and Pluralism

- This can promote tolerance, understanding, and appreciation for cultural diversity, enriching
individuals' experiences and expanding their perspectives.

3.Ethical and Moral Frameworks

- In a globalized world, where economic, social, and political interactions transcend national
boundaries, religious values and principles can influence individuals' responses to global challenges such
as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.

D. Conclusion to Religion as;

Religion serves as a fundamental aspect of culture, profoundly influencing societal norms, values, and
identity. It provides individuals with frameworks for understanding existence and guiding behavior
affecting various aspects of human life and interaction.

Religion serves as a potent political resource, wielding influence through various mechanisms such as
policy shaping, mobilization of support, moral authority, and mediation in conflicts. Religious beliefs and
values often intersect with political agendas, shaping governance structures and policy decisions.
Religion's influence is not always positive, as it can contribute to conflicts based on religious differences,
yet it also holds potential for promoting peace and reconciliation.

Religion functions as a significant globalizing force, spreading beliefs, values, and practices
across geographical boundaries through various mechanisms such as trade, conquest, migration, and
missionary activities. This globalization of religion facilitates cultural exchange, contributes to the
development of shared ethical frameworks, and fosters interconnectedness and interfaith dialogue.

However, the globalization of religion is a complex phenomenon that presents both opportunities
and challenges. On one hand, it promotes tolerance, understanding, and appreciation for cultural diversity,
enriching individuals' experiences and expanding their perspectives. On the other hand, differences in
beliefs can lead to misunderstandings, divisions, and conflicts, particularly when traditional religious
institutions and practices adapt to the changing cultural and social landscapes of the globalized world.

The interplay between religion, globalization, and the human condition shapes individuals'
identities, values, and sense of belonging within their communities. In a globalized world, where
economic, social, and political interactions transcend national boundaries, religious values and principles
can influence individuals' responses to global challenges such as poverty, inequality, environmental
degradation, and human rights violations.

Ultimately, the relationship between religion, globalization, and the human condition is
multifaceted and dynamic. While religion can serve as a unifying force and a source of meaning and
ethical guidance, it must also navigate the complexities and tensions that arise from the increasing
interconnectedness and exposure to diverse worldviews and ways of life.