Globalization has become one of the leading trends in the modern world. As progress strengthens the connection between nations and entire continents, all areas of human activity undergo a major transformation. Globalization has changed the landscape of industrial and business environments, and religion was inevitably affected by it, as well. Communication and transportation opportunities have reached an unprecedented level of development by the 21st century, making the exchange of beliefs and ideas different. At the same time, globalization suggests a wider spread of democratic values, which contributes to the freedom of speech and expression across the globe. Naturally, the Christian mission has had to adjust to the new environment in order to maintain the desired level of visibility and effectiveness.
It appears possible to trace the roots of the present framework of globalization to the middle of the 20th century. The entire course of humanity’s development was changed in the period of twenty-five years between World War II and the Moon landing (Winter, 2001). Before that point, the dogmas of imperialism prevailed, as European civilization-centric goals and ideals determined global processes. The middle of the 20th century saw the beginning of true globalization, during which the significance of the European empires rapidly decreased to a minimum, creating new opportunities for less fortunate states after centuries of oppression. This period marks the beginning of another key aspect of globalization, which is widely observed today – diversity. People from various cultural backgrounds have finally received an opportunity to speak and to be heard. The described decades entailed a positive shift in the psyche of the Western people, leading to a more open society. Therefore, democratic values have spread across the globe, urging nations, organizations, policy-makers, and individuals to show fair, inclusive treatment to everyone.
Naturally, as globalization increased its pace around the globe, the process encompassed the area of religion, as well. Christianity had to undergo major changes as it approached the 21st century in order to remain relevant in the globalized contemporary society. According to Jenkins (2011), the modern period can be characterized by the increased influence of so-called Southern Christianity. This notion refers to the countries of the Third World and former colonies, which have adopted the worldview promoted by the Gospel and actively implement their policy-making process. For many people, the church became the symbol of freedom, and the concept of liberty reflects the spirit of the era. Moll (2006) writes about the emerging role of new vanguards of Christianity across the globe. According to him, the further development of the mission will depend largely on such countries as South Korea, which will continue amid the decline of Western imperialism (Moll, 2006). Therefore, Christianity and the mission have been subject to similar globalization tendencies, promoting the role of emerging countries and reducing the dominance of the West.
In conclusion, the mission of the Gospel ministry exists in a broad context, which influences it to a considerable degree. Globalization is a relatively recent yet powerful tendency, which has reshaped the landscape of most areas of human activity. Religion is one of the spheres which has had to undergo considerable transformations in order to adjust to the new reality. Scholars are unanimous in their evaluation of the decreasing dominance of the West in the current environment. Emerging countries have been receiving growing opportunities to speak and to assert their importance in global affairs, which comprises Christianity, as well. Overall, the further development of the mission will depend on the new centers of growth, which continue to promote its values in a globalized world.
References
Jenkins, P. (2011). The Next Christendom: The coming of global Christianity (3rd edition). Oxford University Press.
Lai, P. (2005). Tentmaking: The life and work of business as missions. Authentic
Moll, R. (2006). Missions incredible. Christianity Today, 50(3), 1–8.
Winter, R. D. (2001). The 25 unbelievable years 1945-1969. William Carey Library.