So happy to come in early on this thread. I will put down my thoughts, hoping I am not unduly re-directing the conversation. I'd be happy to have your engagement on this issue.
Maybe it would be helpful to define globalization in three ways:
1) A global interconnectivity based on movement. Increases in travel and immigration, the creation of international bodies such as the EU or the UN, have drastically changed our notion of "separateness" in regards to nation-states.
2) A global interconnectivity based on communication. Email, telephones, television and other technological advances have led to an increase in global awareness, the dissemination of ideas and a breakdown in the barrier between public and private life.
3) A global interconnectivity based on a shared economy. The global economy, bolstered by western neo-liberal capitalism has led to global markets with global consequences.
In the context of religious discussion, there is a variety of perspectives (*understatement*). I am a Protestant, Evangelical, Pentecostal theologian and minister. It's important for me to "locate" myself in order to note that I have a limited perspective and my thoughts are not necessarily representative of everyone (especially the billions of people who make up "Abrahamic Religions"), but I think I might be able to provide some general thoughts. At times the theological/biblical underpinnings of my positions are clear, at times they are more difficult to discern. Let me know if you need clarification.
1) (Movement)
Pro: An increase in movement means an increase in evangelization which is important for proselytizing religions such as Christianity. It also means an increase in the exchange of ideas, funding and persons which could lead to greater connectivity with and support of common-minded religious groups. Increases in movement mean a diversification of peoples who can exchange ideas and culture in a mutually-beneficial "global village."
Con: The displacement of peoples leads to a fragmentation of one's personal identity. Stability is an important aspect of healthy formation. Insofar as globalization has disrupted human life, it is unhelpful for human development. Furthermore, with increases in movement comes increases in conflict. Nations can fire rockets to hit countries on the other side of the world, refugees and immigrants face disruption and discrimination; people suffer.
2) (Communication)
Pro: The exchange of ideas and information is helpful to connect people with useful or important concepts. Protesters under repressive regimes can find allies in other places. The dissemination of medical and scientific knowledge learned in country A can lead to increases in the quality of life in country B. With the exchange of ideas comes more knowledge and increased wisdom.
Con: With more and more connectivity, humans are ironically becoming more and more isolated. We can conduct all our business online without ever "needing" another person. Social media has replaced conversation. Television has become a drug which dulls our senses to the evil which still exists in the world. With increases in communication comes a numbing of our social conscience and a decrease in our ability for genuine human relationships.
3) (Economy)
Pro: Globalization has led many in the world to unprecedented personal and social wealth. People are living longer, eating better food and enjoying life more fully. National unemployment is down (esp. considering historical trends) and people have access to education, health, opportunities, pleasure and so many other things that were reserved for the wealthy elite only a century or two ago.
Con: The same surplus of wealth being experienced in the western world has meant devastation and loss for everyone else. The destruction of the environment, the suppression of wages in poorer countries, the importation of cheap labor, corporate greed, domination and abuse is rampant. While some have gained great wealth, others have had to pay the price with their lives.
This is, of course, only one perspective. But it seems that from my point of view, globalization, although it has lead to many good things, has produced much evil. Whole nations of people have been destroyed in the name of globalization while some have grown fat and lazy. I know that some do not share my opinion, but as a Christian I am firmly against (unfettered) globalization. Thanks for the question!
