Globalization, religion, and the family

Kelly Hall sends in this email:

Dr. Barnett,



Like many others, I'm a regular reader of your blog. I never miss an entry, and find your analyses of the economic and social evolution of humanity very accurate and insightful. You have caused a sea change in my thinking about such issues, and helped me call into question that which many so-called pundits have always considered to be gospel.



I also find it instructive and enjoyable that you share with us facets of your personal life as well. It seems you have a wonderful family (Mrs. Barnett must be a saint), and despite your lofty and sometimes controversial worldview, you live your life with both feet firmly planted on the ground.



My question is this: how do you feel globalization going to affect religion and the family as we have come to know it? Despite your progressive thinking in the professional realm, you seem to be quite traditional in the personal arena. As a devoted husband and father, and a devout Catholic, do you feel the values you espouse will be radically altered as the world becomes increasingly interconected?



Keep up the great work, and don't lose either your passion or humility.



Kelly C. Hall

York, PA

Tom's reply:

If you read BFA, you see my argument that religion connects far more for the good (evangelical) than disconnects for the bad (extremist fundamental). I see more religion, not less in the 21st century, but also more reformation to mirror globalization (i.e., more acceptance of diversity and more gender equality). But more abundance generally makes people want more spirituality, not less.

Still, on average, more religiousity (faith) and less religion (churches and hierarchies). In short, it gets ever more personal and intense as we shrink the Gap. To me, good stuff.

More of this in planned Vol. III.

Thanks, Kelly. And y'all keep those emails coming in!

Comments

[Bill Millan]

I think we may be underestimating the time lag on "more acceptance of diversity and more gender equality." Islam has been at war with Western Civilization since it's start. The only thing that has held it down up to now has been our military superiority since Napoleon.

[Shloky]

Just out of curiosity, is this the kind of insight we'll see in Volume III? I know you've previously state it will be more focused around individuals.

[George Wiggans]

I have trouble connecting the work of Sam Harris "The End of Faith" with Tom's positive view of religion. Harris proposes that religious faith is dangerous because it encourages people to believe things without evidence. This environment enables people to justify atrocities in the name of religion. I realize that religion is a strong force in many people’s lives, and as a practical matter will not be displaced. When envisioning a future based on rationality that leads us to a world without war does faith (or perhaps blind faith) contribute to achieving that future?

[Titus Flavius]

I believe the standard rebuttal to religious faith justifying atrocities is to cite Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot.