SANTO TOMAS COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
Feeder Road 4, Brgy. Tibal-Og, Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, 8112, Philippines
STCAST Learning Module
Course GE 3 - The Contemporary World
Sem/AY First Semester/2025-2026
Module No. 6
Lesson Title GLOBALIZATION OF RELIGION
Description Globalization greatly influence culture and religion. While religion which is supposed to
of the promote peace is often the cause of insurgencies in many areas around the world.
Lesson
Learning Outcomes
Intended At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to:
Learning Explain how globalization affects religious practices and beliefs
Outcomes Analyze the relationship between religion and global conflict and, conversely,
global peace
Targets/ At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
Objectives Discuss how globalization has helped to spread religion.
Explain how globalization affects religious paractices and beliefs; and
Analyze the relationship between religion and global conflict, and conversely,
global peace.
Student Learning Strategies
Online Activities Online Discussion via Google Meet
(Synchronous/ Access the online discussion by joining a Google Meet link that will be sent
before the meeting.
Asynchronous)
Google Meet discussion schedule will be posted in Google Classroom
Learning Guide Questions:
What are the similarities and the differences between the religious
goals and goals of globalization?
How does globalization influence religion? How does religion
influence globalization.
Are there ways to reconcile religion and globalization?
Those in asynchronous learning, this module is available and will be attached in the
Google Classroom.
STCAST LEARNING MODULE: GE 3- The Contemporary World
Prepared by: Eloisa P. Cortez , LPT, MAED
SANTO TOMAS COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
Feeder Road 4, Brgy. Tibal-Og, Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, 8112, Philippines
Introduction
Religion and globalization at a first glance seems to be two opposing
forces that have no possibility of getting along amicably. The spiritual reference
of religion has always been in conflict with the material or “worldly” connotation
of globalization. However, there are numerous similarities between religious
structures and globalization strategies.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching
them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am
with you always, to the end of the age.”
-Matthew 28:19 (ESV)
This commandment of Jesus Christ, “The Great Commission” is the
foundation of worldwide Christian evangelism with a mission that is to seek and
save the lost. Other world religions on the other hand pursue similar purposes.
Globalization is a phenomenon that concerns economic, social, and
political dynamics of the society.
Offline Activities Religion and globalization are two different directions that both exist in
the same world that we live in. We will be looking at these two perspectives and
(e-Learning/Self-
find out how they influence culture and society and how issues might be resolved
Paced) concerning this topic.
Complex Relationship between Religion and Globalization
Religion came from the Latin word “religare” which means “to bind
together again that which was bound but since been torn apart or broken.” In
simple term, religion is “a system of belief and practices.” (Golebiewski 2014)
There are many definitions of globalization; it depends mostly on the
perspective and frame of experience of the person who is defining it. We will use
the subsequent definition in connection to our topic. “Globalization is a process
wherein political, economic, social, and cultural relationships are not restricted
to territorial boundaries or to state actors, it has much to do with its impact on
cultures.” (McCorquodale, and Fairbrother 1999; Golebiewski 2014)
Daniel Golebiewski (2014) stated that globalization and religion has a
complex relationship, one side is embracing new possibilities while on the other
side is the extending of challenges. He defended this argument in three points:
First, globalization engenders greater religious tolerance. Globalization
conveys a culture of pluralism. Merriam Webster defines pluralism as “a state of
society in which members of diverse ethnic, racial, religious, or social groups
maintain and develop their traditional culture or special interests within the
confines of a common civilization.” There are political, economic, and technical
STCAST LEARNING MODULE: GE 3- The Contemporary World
Prepared by: Eloisa P. Cortez , LPT, MAED
SANTO TOMAS COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
Feeder Road 4, Brgy. Tibal-Og, Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, 8112, Philippines
reasons why globalization causes greater religious tolerance. (Golebiewski
2014)
Politically, religious organizations unite with common values and work
together in resolving issues. An example is the World Faiths Development
Dialogue of international faith leaders along with the World Bank to support
development agendas corresponding to the UN’s Millennium Development
Goals. (Bandchoff 2008; Golebiewski 2014)
Economically, the main religions of major countries has also grown
financially having resources to provide for missionary work to spread their
teachings and beliefs. (Triplady 2003; Golebiewski 2014). As Samuel
Huntington (1993) said, “Major religions today have scattered across the
globe—Christianity turning “southern” and “black,” Islam turning “Asian,” and
Buddhism turning “white” and “western.”
Technically, religions widely utilize websites and television channels to
inform and explain to any individual about their belief at a great expanse. (El
Azzouzi; Golebiewski 2014)
Second, globalization creates a backlash of religious parochialism. James
Kurth (1999) said, “All revolutions disrupt the traditions and customs of
people’s security, safety, and identity.” Globalization brings the same effect to
people’s life so it could be considered as a form of revolution. While religion has
the power to convey a picture of security, stability, and answer to life questions,
globalization brings about the following:
Globalization breaks down traditional communities and replaces them
with larger, impersonal organizations. Golebiewski (2014) gave a
European Union (EU) as an example of this. Citizens of the union are no
longer called according to their nationalities such as German, or French, or
Italian. They are now called as Europeans therefore their sense of
nationalism is affected by homogenization of the European community.
Consequently, some religious leaders attribute the society’s deterioration of
traditional values and norms to the concept of globalization. Religion gives a
sense of identity to its community.
Globalization brings economic marginalization. Transnational
corporations monopolize economic activities. They tend to take over the
government sector’s role in providing welfare to the people. On the other
hand, these companies are also the beneficiaries of global market which is
marked with consumerism and imperialism. Meanwhile, religious
organizations such as Catholic Relief Services, World Vision International,
and Islamic Relief Worldwide help serve the disadvantaged communities in
the global south attending to their basic needs, health care and environmental
problems. They offer strength of collective identity and seriousness of ethical
commitment. (Bandchoff 2008; Golebiewski, 2014)
Globalization causes mental stress. Globalization place value on material
wealth and promote acquisition of worldly possessions that give momentary
pleasure. All of these are illusive and can lead to frustrations and insecurities.
Religion on the other hand brings more satisfaction than material possession.
STCAST LEARNING MODULE: GE 3- The Contemporary World
Prepared by: Eloisa P. Cortez , LPT, MAED
SANTO TOMAS COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
Feeder Road 4, Brgy. Tibal-Og, Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, 8112, Philippines
“With its strength as a powerful identity that brings the message of unity and
security in times of crisis, religion provides the idea of a home.” (Kinnvall
2004; Golebiewski 2014)
Third, Globalization Furthers Challenges with Religious Identity. Religion
provides a sense of belongingness and identity. Every religious organization
carries a notion of truth that is inclusive and at the same time exclusive. Those
who adhere to the religious truth become a part of a “family” that works together
for a common goal. However, those who have a different religious affiliation and
those who do not embrace their doctrines are excluded and considered as an
abject or doomed.
Religious identity entails privileges however there are positive and negative
stereotypical impressions that can be tagged upon the followers of a particular
faith. The following are examples of challenges in religious identity from
Thomas Bandchoff’s (2008) “Religious Pluralism, Globalization, and World
Politics” (Golebiewski 2014):
1. The Al-Qaeda men who hijacked the airplanes and attacked the World
Trade Center and Pentagon led the people of the world to associate Islam
with terrorism.
2. Al-Qaeda links America to Judeo-Christian Religion which is considered as
an adversary of their faith an abject of Islam.
3. The US led invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq was viewed by sympathizers
as “Islamofascism”
4. The same invasion was considered by the US government as a “crusade to
get rid of evil.”
Attacks on innocent people still occur due to religious fanaticism. Lives
are lost because of religious stand and determination. Globalization brought
religions in a circle of competition and conflicts. As long as each religion believes
that they have the monopoly of truth and impose on their own standard of what
is right and what is wrong, avoiding conflict remains vague. (Huntington 1990,
Golebiewski 2014)
The Tradition of Non Violence
Leo Tolstoy, Mohandas Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. are three
individuals who rediscovered, reinvented, and re-conceptualized the beliefs of
the world’s major religions. Their works indicate that, “It is possible for
narrative diversity to generate a shared ethic without sacrificing the diversity of
particular religions.” (Fasching 2000; Golebiewski 2014)
The UN’s Millennium Peace Summit 2000 was a historical milestone
when religious leaders joined an ecumenical meeting headed by then UN
Secretary General Kofi Annan. Religious communities were encouraged to stop
fighting and and arguing amongst themselves and begin working together for
peace, justice, and social harmony. Annan (2000) said, “Whatever your past,
whatever your calling, and whatever the differences among you, your presence
STCAST LEARNING MODULE: GE 3- The Contemporary World
Prepared by: Eloisa P. Cortez , LPT, MAED
SANTO TOMAS COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
Feeder Road 4, Brgy. Tibal-Og, Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, 8112, Philippines
here at the United Nations signifies your commitment to our global mission of
tolerance, development, and peace.”
It is quite paradoxical that religion has been the source of major disturbances
around the world. While an international organization like United Nations
served as the mediator of peace.
Religious values had been the basis of transnational companies in “The emerging
global ethic” which consist three major components (Green 1994; Golebiewski
2014):
1. Act against bribe and corruption
2. Act against discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, ethnicity, or
gender in the conduct of business
3. Act against activities that pose a significant threat to human life and health
Overall, “Religion has long been the driving force in the process of
globalization,” (L. Herrington 2013) unfortunately religious conflicts brought
worse effects to the community that is far more chaotic than globalization:
disrupting traditional communities (many lives are lost), causing economic
marginalization (properties and livelihood are destroyed), and bringing mental
stress to individuals. Religion and globalization may differ in purposes but they
are similar in many ways, they share common values and similar goals. Internal
and external conflicts are inevitable but resolution is always possible.
Guide Questions:
1. Religion and globalization are considered as paradoxical system that will
never meet without friction. Do you believe in this notion? Explain your
answer.
2. What are the contributions of religion to globalization?
3. What are the contributions of globalization to religion?
4. How will you create unity in diversity in terms of ideologies?
STCAST LEARNING MODULE: GE 3- The Contemporary World
Prepared by: Eloisa P. Cortez , LPT, MAED
SANTO TOMAS COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
Feeder Road 4, Brgy. Tibal-Og, Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, 8112, Philippines
Performance Task
You are going to create your own manual or computerized “Venn Diagram” in an A-4 size paper.
This is for remote and online learners. Fill it with the following information:
1. Write your name, course, section and the title “The Globalization of Religion” on the top portion of
your paper.
2. Write key words on characteristics/descriptions of Globalization and Religion on each portion of the
diagram.
3. Write the similarities in the middle, overlapping portion of the diagram.
4. You can use colors, icons, and illustrations to perk up your diagram.
5. Write a one paragraph explanation under your Venn Diagram.
6. Save your work in PDF form or photograph file jpeg etc.
Online submission will be on LMS. Upload your performance task in the assignment “The Globalization
of Religion” under Module 7.
Understanding Directed Assessment
Rubric: Venn Diagram “The Globalization of Religion” Score_____/10
Criteria/ Points 4 3 2 1
The instruction was
Content and carefully followed and
There were few mistakes in
There were several mistakes
Did not follow the
following the instructions and instructions.
Comprehension the whole content is
the content is adequately
in following the instructions.
Most of the contents are
highly substantial The content is inadequate
(4) substantial incorrect.
The output has unclear
The output has interesting and The output has adequately
Clarity details.
very clear details. clear details.
Ideas were
(3) Ideas were highly organized. Ideas were organized.
incomprehensible
The Venn Diagram lacks
The Venn Diagram is highly The Venn Diagram is
meaning
Creativity expressive and interesting interesting
Words used in the
Words used in the explanation Words used in the
(3) explanation were below
were carefully selected. explanation were good.
expectation
STCAST LEARNING MODULE: GE 3- The Contemporary World
Prepared by: Eloisa P. Cortez , LPT, MAED
SANTO TOMAS COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
Feeder Road 4, Brgy. Tibal-Og, Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, 8112, Philippines
Learning Resources
Catarina Kinnvall. (2004). Globalization and Religious Nationalism: Self, Identity, and the Search
for Ontological Security.” Political Psychology. 25: 741-767.
Daniel Golebweski. (2014). Religion and Globalization: New Possibilities, Furthering Challenges.
Retrieved from [Link]
possibilities-furthering-challenges/ (May 25, 2020)
Darrell J. Fasching, “From Genocide to Global Ethics by Way of Storytelling,” in Sumner B. Twiss
and Bruce Crelle, Explorations in Global Ethics: Comparative Religious Ethics and
Interreligious Dialogue (Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press, 2000), p. 316.
James Kurth, (1999). “Religion and Globalization,” Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) –
Templeton Lecture on Religion and World Affairs.
[Link] (accessed April 25,
2014).
Kofi Annan, (2000) “Secretary-General, Addressing Millennium Summit of Religious, Spiritual
Leaders, Urges Participants to Set Example of Interfaith Cooperation,”
[Link] (accessed
April 25, 2014).
Luke M. Herrington. (2013). Globalization and Religion in Historical Perspective: A Paradoxical
Relationship. Retrieved from [Link] (May
25, 2020)
Monaim El Azzouzi. (2013). “Religion and Globalization: Benefits and Challenges,” Romanian
Review of Political Science and International Relations.
Robert McCorquodale, and Richard Fairbrother, “Globalization and Human Rights,” Human Rights
Quarterly 21 (1999): 735-736.
Ronald M. Green, “Religions and the Ethics of International Business,” in John Kelsey and Sumner
B. Twiss, Religion and Human Rights (New York, NY: Project on Religion and Human
Rights, 1994), p. 237.
Samuel P. Huntington. (1993) “The Clash of Civilizations?” Foreign Affairs
[Link]
civilizations
Thomas Bandchoff. (2008). Religious Pluralism, Globalization, and World Politics. New York, NY:
Oxford University Press
STCAST LEARNING MODULE: GE 3- The Contemporary World
Prepared by: Eloisa P. Cortez , LPT, MAED