The relationship between urbanization, globalization, and people is one of the most interesting and provocative topics in many discussions. On the one hand, humans do everything possible to enhance progress through urbanizing populations, creating more technologically advanced cities, and sharing experiences globally. On the other hand, urbanization and globalization are critical processes that happen regardless of human decisions and possibilities. These controversies are properly analyzed in Chapter 12 of Rynkiewich’s Soul, Self, and Society.
It is hard for an ordinary reader to identify the time boundaries of changes associated with globalization and the urbanization of human life. In this chapter, the author admits that these processes have been going on for thousands of years, resulting in more than three billion people living in urban areas (Rynkiewich, 2011). Many positive attitudes and negative stereotypes toward city life have been recently developed, proving the inevitability of growth and diminishing the direct participation of humans. Globalization is not just international interactions for certain purposes but the engagement of people in communication, culture, and commerce to understand the worth of innovation (Rynkiewich, 2011). This chapter aims to explain the role of churches and missionaries through the prism of urbanization and globalization. Thus, society has to be ready to enlarge their knowledge and realities about the world, enter the global market, and cooperate with the environment (Rynkiewich, 2011). It is normal to ask questions, find answers, and strive for progress.
This chapter proves the importance of collaboration at different levels, including economics, religion, and politics. Human development is a continuous process that is impossible to stop. Although people are direct participants and active doers to promote globalization and urbanizations, they cannot predict all outcomes and comprehend all responsibilities. Modern society must live in this constantly urbanizing, globalizing world and use past experiences to create a better future.
Reference
Rynkiewich, M. A. (2011). Soul, self, and society: A postmodern anthropology for mission in a postcolonial world. Wipf and Stock Publishers.