146.

210 Ritual & Belief

Assignment 2

Research project: How have globalization, immigration, and internet use impacted on
religion?
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Introduction

The 21st century has caused vast changes in many areas of life. The transformations in the habits

of people have also induced for changes in religion. As society begins to face different ideas,

values and ways of life it also experiences alterations in the way it views and practices religion.

The spread of globalization, immigration and internet use has transformed how religion itself is

presented, how it operates as well as how individuals practice and view it. Many contemporary

theorists state that these changes are revolutionary and highly complex and thus should be

considered thoroughly and from all aspects. As the global world becomes more and more a

single place and with borders becoming blurry, religious activities are more transparent today

than ever before. With the rise of these changes, western thinkers in the past have predicted a

very bleak future for religion claiming that it will begin to wane as more and more people are

going to become atheists or nones (those not affiliated with any religion) (Pew Research Centre

2015). Sigmund Freud was one of the first to state that religion is an illusion which has no future

(Freud 1927). Despite of this, religion today remains an influential force and seems to fade that

assumption. In the present essay, I will consider the contemporary changes religion has

undergone as well as how these have impacted individuals and organizations. I will also

contemplate the trends, forms of worship and belief, the challenges and opportunities as well as

some of the controversial issues that accompany religion in the era of globalization, internet use

and immigration.

Globalisation and its Influence

In thinking about globalization some of the views that immediately may appear in ones mind is

cultural uniformity, a secular way of life which is slowly eroding local customs and beliefs. The

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truth is not far from it. The capitalistic nature of today seems to be leaving little room for long-

standing traditions which poses a great struggle for religious communities. Religious visions of

the unity of humanity can be said to have little in common with globalization. In the past,

religion was considered a societys leader, nowadays, it has been replaced by transnational

companies. The motives and objectives of globalization are to reshape the image of the world to

one that will become a global system and have global unity. Many of the positive aspects that

have resulted from globalization can even be said to be solely its byproduct. That being said,

many of the adverse aspects of globalization are in direct discord with religious beliefs and

practices. For instance, globalization has popularized the consumer culture and thus materialism.

People seem to be more interested in these than the basic aspects of humanity such as morals and

ethics religion so strongly advocates. All this considered, to regard globalization and religion as

solely a conflictive relationship is to disregard the complexity of their relationship. We must

understand that globalization and religion in a globalized world of the new millennium are

strongly linked together. It is important to consider how religions have contributed to the

emergence of a global society and how they have adapted to the new social context.

With the rise of global interaction, religions have had the opportunity to communicate their

universal essence; justice, love and compassion. For the first time in history we know more about

each others beliefs and realise how much we have in common. Although, agreement may not be

a realizable or desirable goal, globalization is perhaps allowing for coexistence. The social

realities of today force us to give up our stringent attitudes and develop universal understanding.

Some believe that global economic change can establish more tolerant values to culture that

might have had more constricted views before (Andersen & Taylor, 2013). However, at the same

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time, these differences are at times intensified under the same conditions of a contemporary

globalized world. Globalization has allowed for politics and in particular nationalism to meddle

with religion. The escalation of globalization has imposed western, in particular American

morals, and cultural beliefs and thereby creating a more homogenous culture world culture

(Andersen & Taylor, 2013, p 38). For instance, with the influence of American culture more and

more young people of non-western backgrounds are celebrating American Christmas traditions.

As a result, more diverse folk cultures are fading away (Steger, 2009) and more dominant ones

prevail. These problems of globalization and world-wide communication have also caused

extremist religious behaviour such as strong feelings of nationalism, terrorist attacks and radical

preaching which operate under anti-globalization attitudes. In the past years, the mass media has

contributed to a rise in islamophobia. Benjamin Barber (1995) refers to this as the struggle

between McWorld and Jihad. This connectivity has perhaps surfaced deep-rooted hate and

thus developed tension breeding, conflicts and misunderstandings. Therefore, it could be said

that, global interaction can easily bring peace and understanding whilst at the same time take us

to war. Either way, if globalization has taught us anything it is that we need to work at forming

better interreligious relations.

Pew Surveys at present reveal that an increasing number of people today are declaring

themselves as atheists. Before proclaiming this as a personal decision, we must contemplate how

and why this is occurring at this very moment rather than any other and what part, if any,

globalization plays. Interestingly, an Australian communist writer has noted that one of the

problems with the [new atheists] is that they attribute powers to the ideas of religion without

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considering their inextricable connections with economics and politics. In other words, some

atheists may not even realise that their views have rather been imposed on them by current

social, political and economic practices. Even though these numbers may be true, that is not to

say that globalization is leading religion into disappearance. Others believe that given the

gloomy and anxiety-ridden (Dasgupta 2004) realities of globalization, might be turning more

people to religious faith rather than turning them away from it. As vast numbers of people are

being ignored and excluded in todays commercially driven society, they will resort to religion

for support and security. A recent analysis at the University of Wellington, found that harsher

environments and surrounding are more likely to develop religious ideas among people (Bulbulia

2014). Global hunger, mass privatization, widening gap between the rich and poor, terrorism and

many other ruthless truths brought on by globalization have attributed to the crisis of human

values and are leaving people helpless (Dasgupta 2004). For these reasons, religion might restore

the much needed faith in humanity that has been disregarded by globalization.

Internet Use and Religion

Given its history, we could say that religion has had a conservative reputation which has been

rather resilient to change. It has mostly been a follower of social and cultural movements and

changes rather than a leader. The most radical technological invention of our time and its

accelerated spread has forced religion to rethink its relationship with the cyber culture.

Although slow and wary at first, the church as well as its followers have started to enjoy

numerous benefits of the World Wide Web. Some go as far as to say that the rise of the

internet has had an immense effect on religious growth. Others think that the internet has had

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more hindering effects which show and expose religion and the church in a light that has not

been favourable to say the least. Howbeit, religion is abundantly present online.

Internet in connection to religion has provided numerous benefits. It serves as a modern library

where anything, at any time can be researched. It is a vast resource tool which allows access to

once inaccessible texts. Everything is out in the open and individuals are able to find out things

that were traditionally behind closed doors in ecclesiastical councils. For instance, before

becoming affiliated with a religious organization, you are able to learn everything about them

online beforehand. Without online credentials such as a web site or blog for individual

comments, they are considered to lack identity and even be hiding something. We have the

ability to research and learn about different religions and pass forward our knowledge and

opinions to others. We can freely criticize what is said and done in a religious organization and

thus challenge the control that some religious leaders once had. Information is readily available

from multiple sources where we can compare claims and the evidence to support those claims.

Moreover, it has allowed individuals and groups to get in touch with like-minded people around

the globe. People of similar beliefs and faiths are able to chat to each other, share experiences

and discuss topics of interest. In a few steps only, we are able to finding life partners through

religious dating sites such as christianconnection.com and catholicmatch.com. In more recent

years, we have seen the development of live streaming communions, online prayer centres and

even live confessions. This is especially appealing to those who are unable to attend church for

different reasons such as for instance those with hectic lifestyles or physical disabilities. It also

permits a customizing and more autonomous experience especially for those who prefer more

privacy as it affords less of a stigma than attending a formal place of worship. Religious

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organizations have been able to service to members and appeal to non-members through

online publications. It is also through them that we are able to advocate and promote justice

online.

When considering the negative aspects the internet has had on religion we can state several

which can be rather deterring. First and foremost, internet practices such as the freedom to

express ones own opinion has unlocked proselytization. In other words, the internet is used as

a tool which allows for dissemination of ones religion through aggressive practices such as hate

speech and extremist campaigning. There have been numerous accounts of groups and

individuals entering religious chat rooms and spreading words and graphics full of malice.

Groups such as the Westboro Baptist Church and the World Church of the Creator (WCOTC) are

notorious for such behaviour and are currently some of the fastest growing organizations in the

U.S. A Comedy section of the WCOTC Website includes pictures, jokes, and free

downloadable racist video games (Tiven 2003). With everyone given a voice, we could even

say that religious distinctions have amplified online. Today, you can also find numerous online

organizations which help people lose their religion and become atheists. Secondly, in the cyber

world, identities can be assumed and manipulated in all sorts of pernicious ways. There have

even been accounts of manipulation and misrepresentation of holy texts with the mission of

toying with often quite vulnerable people. It becomes easier for cults to promote themselves

and brainwash individuals. We are presented with enormous issues of representation,

authenticity and deception. Lastly, certain religious content online can be regarded as

extremely insincere, pushy and even tacky. Some seems to be very business-like, commercial

and rather tasteless. They seem to have only one aim which is to turn a profit on our spiritual

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apetites (Antes et al 2004, p. 387). Anything from crass religious products to prayers and

blessings can be purchased online.

Effects of Immigration

As more and more people cross borders in search for new opportunities and travel being a

common thing these days, with them they bring their own religious beliefs and practices.

Immigration has had an impact on developing religion perhaps ever since World War II (Hughes

2014). Historically, colonial immigration brought their own religious practices and shaped and

structured the traditions of the new community. In Aotearoa New Zealand Europeans settlers

brought varieties of their own religions such as British Protestantism and French Catholicism.

These religions spread and were adopted by the Maori. If we look even further back we are

able to find that most of the religious customs and practices of the Maori were brought over

from Polynesia. Today, in New Zealand, immigration patterns have brought many cultural

changes including changes in religion habits. The many waves of immigrants have shaped and

coloured our country. We can thus say that the impact of immigration has greatly affected and

continues to affect the diversity of religious cultures and traditions here in New Zealand as well

as in many other countries around the world.

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Unfortunately, immigration and assimilation of different societies has rarely been a smooth

process. Cultural integration has commonly brought about cultural turmoil, especially so among

highly religious societies. What can further complicate an already delicate situation are other

tensions such as economic and political instabilities. The melting pots of today have thus

resulted in major religious conflict and growing dissimilarities. Many individuals believe that

immigrants and their faiths threaten a nations social unity. In many countries in Europe and

the U.S it is not uncommon to see organized anti-immigrant rallies which exploit religious and

cultural stereotypes. Many of these groups operate under pro-assimilation beliefs and

advocate that they are only asking immigrants to adapt to their new homes. This can

sometimes make immigrants feel ashamed of their religions as if they are not loyal citizens.

There have been many instances where the government has tried to enforce policies which ask

Muslim women to remove their Burqas. Last year for instance, there was much debate over

Canadas attempt to ban face coverings while taking an oath of citizenship (Browne 2015).

These pressures and strains can cause many immigrants to give up their religious practices in

order to blend into new religious communities. Alternatively, it can cause people to be more

defensive of their religions which can heighten conflicts and strengthen borders.

On the other hand, the appearance of immigration and religious diversity can have an

extremely positive effect on communities. Firstly, immigrants bring in different forms of already

present religions which shape current practices and services. Secondly, new religious practices

they bring with them allow for more diversity, knowledge of other cultures and ultimately more

tolerance. Cities are being shaped by the construction of new churches, temples and mosques.

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To a newcomer, these familiar sanctuaries can offer the much needed solace in an unfamiliar

environment. Although contemporary debate has focused on whether immigrant congregations

constructed a bridge in assimilation or created a boundary preventing it (Warner 2000).

Many religious communities offer assistance to immigrants and play an important role in

creating an accepting community. This succor can be in social and spiritual form but also in

material such as provision of food and shelter for immigrants. For example, some Catholic

charitable organizations such as The Catholic Parish Outreach offer food and clothes to people

in need. The freedom to practice ones own religion can give salvation to many new

immigrants at a difficult adapting process. Herberg (1960) argues that religion can help

immigrants find identity and meaning as they must face the existential question of Who am I?.

One Massey University research (Kimchi Networks) has found church support to be essential for

Korean immigrants settling in New Zealand. Aside for spiritual reasons, immigrants attend

church for various other practical reasons such as finding work contacts, friends, important

living and settling in information. Religious organization have also provided recognition and

respect that may have been restricted to immigrants in the new society. Milton Gordon (1964)

recognized that immigrants still encountered social restrictions and for this reason the church

created their own parallel set of institutions. Because of the above-mentioned reasons, some

scholars such as Herberg believe that religious attachment is stronger after immigration and

that the numbers of church-goers increases among immigrants.

Conclusion

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Throughout history, religions have undergone changes. This is as true today as its ever been as

they continue to develop and adapt to modern times. The phenomenon of globalization as well

as the technological and demographic changes that have occurred have perhaps made religions

and their followers more aware of themselves. The results of these changes have facilitated or

obstructed religious social attributes. The fundamental point is that the intentional or

unintentional consequences of todays way of living have transformed how religion is perceived

and how its traditions are realized. Beyer (2001) claims that globalization, immigration and

internet use have impacted on religion's collective surface. He then goes on to state that

globalization is an effective resource for mobilizing people across the social cleavage such as

stratum, class, region and local culture (Beyer 2001). Looking into the future remains a

fascination for most people, the most important part in the inventory of a culture (Freud,

1927). Because of this, we will continue to ask ourselves what the future of religion would be

like. In order to do this, it is necessary to ask ourselves the right questions and develop

awareness and reality of current social practices. Is it possible for three factors, not matter how

major to vindicate what the future of religion holds?

When we ponder these questions we must understand that it is inevitable to make certain

generalizations. Religion is an anthropological concept which has a past, present and as it would

seem, a future. We could even say that in civilization is the broadest cultural entity that is built

on religion and language. Past trends, evidently indicate that the urge for religion will

persevere. Samuel Huntington, in his novel The Clash of Civilizations (1996) claims that the

future of society is not leading towards a universal civilization but rather that society will

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undergo a resurgence. The reason behind his beliefs is that the future will bring a crisis identity

which will restore identification with religious systems.

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