Part I - The Rise of a New Global Civilization

Summary

A Perspective from the Great South

There is almost a consensus nowadays among world social analysts that we are currently going through great cultural changes as well as changes in civilization per se. We are entering a new phase for humankind, a new level of consciousness, and a new age for the planet Earth. These changes have impinged greatly on world religions, including Christianity, which aim to maintain and communicate a common message to all human beings and give a meaning to the universe.

Before critically assessing both the above premise and how the process of globalization impinges on Christianity, we must understand the phenomena and the logic behind this process. Globalization is occurring mainly on three fronts, namely, technological change, the globalization of the market forces, and the rise of a new global conscience. Let us now briefly assess each of these fronts which are shaping the new civilization.