AIZAWL THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

DISCERNING THE SIGNS OF TIMES

(Bachelor of Divinity 2022-2023)
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Topic: Globalization
Submitted to: Prof. Lalrindiki Ralte
Submitted by: David Lalramthara (BD II, Roll No. 1)
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Introduction:

Globalization is defined by Ruud Lubbets in his article “Globalization and Sustainable

Development” as “the phenomenon that the degree of global human interaction increases to such
an extent that both its primary effects and the reactions it provokes, give rise to numerous new
developments.”1 In other words, the term “globalization” refers to the integration of economies
and societies through the cross-national flow of information, ideas, technologies, goods, services,
capital, finance, and people. Those with the necessary skills and technology may benefit even
within their own country.2

Marginalization in Globalization:

Globalization is changing trade, finance, employment, migration, technology,

communications, the environment, social systems, lifestyles, cultures, and governance patterns.
Technology advancement and globalization mutually reinforce one another. Much of the
globalization process is not new in history, but the technology, setting, and specific features are.
International interdependence is increasing, as is international integration, to a lesser extent.
However, it is accompanied by the fragmentation and disintegration of other parts.

The reduced power of national governments with the spread of global free markets and
technological innovation in the absence of a corresponding authority to regulate and hold them
accountable, has contributed to the marginalization of large regions and groups of people.

1
Ali M. Alli, “Globalization: Its Effects,” International Business & Economics Research Journal 6/1
(January, 2007): 89.
2
Amit Sharma, “Impact of Globalization on Sustainable Indian Economy,” International Journal of
Business Administration and Management 7/1 (2017): 1.

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Unemployment, poverty, inequality, and alienation are all on the rise as a result of this process, in
part (but not entirely). Crime, drugs, terrorism, violence, civil wars, diseases, and environmental
devastation are all becoming increasingly global. Capital, technology, and advanced skills
outperform the more easily dispensable factors of unskilled labor and the environment in
international competition. Labor and the environment suffer as a result of cost-cutting measures. 3

As previously stated, Globalization has provided unimagined opportunities for some

people, groups, and countries. Literacy, school enrollment, infant mortality, and life expectancy
also have all increased dramatically in the last few decades. At the same time, the economic
restructuring, liberalization, technological change, and fierce competition that accompanied
globalization have contributed to increased impoverishment, inequality, and job insecurity, as well
as a weakening of institutions and social support systems and the erosion of established identities
and values. Food prices have risen (compared to what they would have been otherwise) as a result
of agricultural liberalization and reduced agricultural protection, and food-importing countries
have suffered as a result.4

The unrestricted imports of goods such as agricultural products are also likely to harm
farmers, particularly small farmers. They generally do not enter agriculture as a commercial
venture, but rather because the land has been in the family for generations and there are no other
options for a living. These farmers, as well as the farm laborers who work for them, will be out of
work. The rural economy will be harmed. According to economic theory, these people will seek
out more lucrative occupations. However, such alternatives are unlikely to exist. In most
developing countries, the rural population cannot be shifted to alternative employment in the
foreseeable future. As a result, a large portion of the rural population will be impoverished and
thus marginalized. Further, with the decline in income of such farmers and farm labourers, demand
for agricultural and industrial goods will fall, which will naturally have a negative impact on the
various sectors of production. 5

Similarly, unrestricted imports of industrial products are likely to harm domestic industry.
Even the largest industries will find it difficult to compete because foreign firms have far superior

3
A. S. Bhalla, Globalization, Growth aand Marginalization (New York: St. Martin's Press, 1998), 13.
4
Bhalla, Globalization, Growth aand Marginalization…, 22.
5
Bhagirath Lal Das, An Introduction to Globalisation and its Impacts (Penang: Third World Network,
2004), 27.

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financial and technological resources. Small and medium-sized businesses will, of course, bear the
consequences of the impact. They are in grave danger of extinction because they lack the resources
to compete with the world's largest corporations. A large segment of the industrial sector's
population, both industrialists and workers, is likely to lose income and employment. Development
will slow, and poverty will worsen. 6

Theological Response on Globalization:

Globalization is primarily driven by money, specifically investment - production - trade -

profit - wealth. The entire globalization process revolves around the cult of mammon. Some
developments occur in countries during the globalization process, and people may reap the benefits
of scientific, technological, and communication advances. The power of money, however, and the
accumulation of wealth in the hands of investors, widens the gap between rich and poor. The
burden of debt on nations and their citizens is so great that people are trapped in a cycle of poverty. 7

Firstly, Jesus made it clear that it is difficult for the wealthy to enter God's kingdom and
criticized the Jewish religious authorities' commercialization of worship as well as the Romans'
economic and political oppression of the Jews. His teachings are so critical of money and wealth
that he declared that people could not serve both mammon and God. He enraged the wealthy,
religious, and political authorities of his day. The apostles spoke of the evils of money and
encouraged people to share their resources with the needy as a means of recycling their wealth and
economy in order to achieve equality.

Second, there has already been a significant theological response to the issue of debt and
its burden. To forgive the debts of the poor, Jesus used a parable. He condemned the money lender
who received forgiveness for failing to repay his massive debt but refused to forgive a poor man
who borrowed a small amount from him (Matt. 18:21-35). Jesus praised Zacchaeus for his
willingness to return the wealth he had obtained illegally to the poor and referred to his repentance
as his salvation (Lk. 19:9). The apostles' teaching also emphasizes debt forgiveness. A number of
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and action groups are speaking out against the debt

6
Das, An Introduction to Globalisation and its Impacts…, 27.
Jesudason Baskar Jeyaraj, “Globalization, Justice and Theological Education,” CTC Bulletin 22/3
7

(December, 2006): 25,26.

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burden caused by globalization and pressuring developed nations and financial corporations to
write off debts and change lending policies on moral and humanitarian grounds.

Third, our response should also address the issue of victims and the marginalized. The
bondage in Egypt and liberation from Pharaoh's hands demonstrate how God sided with the
oppressed and victims of violence. The constant reminder of the Mosaic law to care for orphans,
widows, and the poor and to do justice to them demonstrates God's preference for the poor (Exod.
22:22; 23:6-9). Prophets also have spoken out for the rights of the oppressed. The incarnation of
Jesus to be with humanity and to work for the suffering people calls us to side with the suffering.
On the cross, he represents the victims of injustice and offers forgiveness to the oppressed on their
behalf. Jesus demanded a better understanding of the poor as well as changes in the structure of
his religion and society to benefit the marginalized. He wanted the Sabbath to benefit people and
asked the Pharisees and Sadducees to change their interpretation and application of the law. He
desired the restoration of the status of sinners, disabled people, women, and children. He accepted
them after proving himself to be their friend.

God of the Bible is a global God who is interested in diversity. The entire creation and all
the resources including human beings belong to God. The global God promotes justice globally
for all people through the spreading of the gospel.

Conclusion:

From the above study, it can be concluded that Globalization is equivalent to a fire because
it has both assets and defects; it can be a useful element that benefits everyone, but at the same
time it can also burn and bring about catastrophe as well. Therefore, as theological students, it is
our duty to instruct those who are unaware of the pros and cons of Globalization and to raise our
voices for the welfare of the voiceless, and also to try to uplift those who are the victims of
marginalized Globalization.