Should a Christian Embrace or Resist Globalization?
Open Christian Ministries
Bridging the Gap between the Church and the Marketplace
As Christians, we must approach the topic of globalization with prayerful consideration and biblical discernment. Globalization, defined as "the act of extending an influence to all parts of the world," can seem attractive at first glance, promising solutions to global challenges. However, a closer examination through the lens of Scripture reveals a more complex and concerning picture.
The Bible provides historical examples of attempts at global unification, often led by ungodly empires and individuals. The Assyrian Empire, for instance, sought to conquer and control vast territories, employing brutal tactics of murder, torture, and enslavement. Similarly, the Tower of Babel incident (Genesis 11:1-9) showcased mankind's rebellion against God's command to "fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1), as they sought to centralize power in a single city. These attempts at globalization were ultimately opposed by God, who thwarted their plans through language confusion and dispersal.
Later, the dreams and visions given to King Nebuchadnezzar in the Book of Daniel (Daniel 2) reveal a pattern of successive global empires that would rise and fall throughout history. These empires, represented by the different metals in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, can be seen as various attempts at human-led globalization. Ultimately, the dream culminates in a final, all-encompassing global kingdom that will be ruled by a wicked ruler, the Antichrist (Daniel 2:40-45; Revelation 13:7). This final empire will seek to eliminate all religious observance that does not align with its ungodly agenda, forcing people to take the "mark of the beast" (Revelation 13:16-17).
The Bible, therefore, warns us that any human-led effort at globalization is often driven by sinful, power-hungry motives and is ultimately opposed to the sovereignty of God. As Christians, we must be vigilant and discerning, for "the whole world is under the control of the evil one" (1 John 5:19).
Interestingly, current events leading up to the Antichrist's rise to power employs similar schemes, known as problem-reaction solution approach, which are expected to usher in catastrophic events that God will use the judge His enemies (Revelation 8-9, 16).
At the same time, we recognize that God has a plan for a glorious, righteous global kingdom under the leadership of Jesus Christ (Revelation 19-20). This future global kingdom will be a time of true justice, peace, and joy, where the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth (Isaiah 11:3-5, 12:3-4). Until then, we are called to "shine [our] light before others, that they may see [our] good deeds and glorify [our] Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
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While we cannot completely withdraw from the world, we must be cautious in our approach to globalization. We are called to "submit [ourselves] for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men" (1 Peter 2:13) and to "give to Caesar what is Caesar's" (Matthew 22:21). However, we are also commanded to "hate what is evil" (Psalm 97:10) and to rebuke wickedness, as long as we do so within the constraints of the law.
Our hope and refuge must be in Christ Jesus alone. He is the true King who will establish His righteous and eternal kingdom, ushering in a time of peace, justice, and the full knowledge of God (Revelation 19-20). Until then, we are to remain vigilant, proclaim the Gospel, and resist the temptation to put our trust in any human-led global agenda. As the world increasingly moves towards a one-world system, let us find our security in the promises of God's Word and the imminent return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Only in Him can we find the true unity, peace, and justice that the world so desperately seeks.
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Catechist at St Antony's Church Kankuzhy
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