FAQs
Is the faith and globalisation course only for people of faith?
No, the faith and globalisation course is for everyone, whether they practise a faith or not. We believe that this is a conversation for everyone, which frames important parts of life, and impacts upon everyone whether they are religious or not.
Globalisation is also another important aspect of the modern world which brings us into closer contact with those of other faiths and cultures on a daily basis. Both of these are increasingly important topics which need to be addressed, and need to be addressed by everyone, regardless of creed, culture, or gender.
How can I be involved?
Whether you are academic or not, you can be involved with the Faith and Globalisation Initiative (FGI).
If you are academic, why not consider creating a partnership between your university and the foundation?
If you are carrying out a piece of research that you think we might be interested in, we would really like to hear about it.
If you are a student, consider taking one of our courses - we believe that future leaders must be religiously literate to fully comprehend the modern and future political and business worlds.
If you are a policy maker or business leader we would also love to hear from you - explore our website and consider making our research part of your work: it's a subject which is increasingly unavoidable today. If you are a member of the public please do get involved - create a profile and comment on our blogs and articles. We are always interested to hear different perspectives on our work.
Where can I take the class?
Explore which universities we are currently partnered with where you can take the faith and globalisation course.
Alternatively, if you are currently studying or teaching at a university that you think we could partner with or which could set up a course let us know!
Why religion?
Faith is not a separate entity from the other processes which are being affected by and affecting globalisation and consequently the world. We do not aim to encourage this view through this course, but rather combat it showing how religion is an integral part of the process.
Faith is pervasive. It is an important part of life for over 70% of the worlds populations, especially in the emerging and more volatile parts of the world. It can't be be ignored. Its impact is far reaching, affecting the way in which people approach subjects as diverse as the environment, the economy, sport, conflict, and education. It can't be separated out from the process of globalisation. The faith and globalisation course considers faith as an equal part of the process of globalisation along with all these other elements, focussing on developing a different approach towards faith, which could see faith as a force to make a better world.
Is the assumption that faith is a positive thing?
No, we prefer to take an objective view. Faith can work in both positive and negative ways depending upon how its messages are interpreted. We aim to consider all views in an unbiased manner moving towards a more nuanced view.
Why globalisation?
Globalisation is happening now. It is a current trend which is reshaping the world and the way we live. It is radically changing our relationships, both individually, politically and internationally.
It is drawing the world closer together through technology, and political and economic interdependence.
Air travel means that distant lands are now on our doorsteps The internet means we can hold international conversations instantaneously and share information with people around the world. Worldwide corporations link distant parts of the world through manufacturing, trade and banking.
The way in which this has impacted upon cultures and faiths can be directly linked to acts of global terrorism, a new concept itself, as people feel that their ways of life are being threatened. The future is a global future whether we like it or not. Better to understand it now so that we can harness it and control it, rather than let it run out of control with all the damaging consequences that might bring.
Is the assumption that globalisation is a force for good?
No, we understand that globalisation has had negative as well as positive consequences. Traditional cultures are to some extent under threat in parts of the world. Faiths can also feel threatened by the rapidly changing environment. The internet can be used as a tool for terrorism, racism and subversion. But globalisation can be a force for good. It is forcing us to be culturally aware. It is helping us to help those less fortunate than ourselves. It is opening up the closed parts of the world to new ways of thinking, liberating the oppressed, fostering democracy, liberal politics and the market economy.
The faith and globalisation course considers both sides to globalisation and the manner in which it has impacted upon us all, and upon the other forces which are at work in the world, such as faith, environmentalism and conflict.
