Watching world politics and follow its economic crisis, it’s time to take our
lemons and make some lemonade! I’m reflecting on some trends; socio-religious,
cultural . . .
First, Globalization is
here to stay, whether we like it or not, the world today has shrunk and we are
all wired together! In spite of the IMF and WTO or AMWAY for that matter, most
people today are like me – “international”!
Second. McDonaldization thanks
to the USA, we live in a consumerist, instant, ‘have it your way’, lov’ in
society, where even Christianity is packaged and marketed a certain way (Have
you watched televangelists?)
The third is what in India we call – Saffronization. This is the indigenous people realizing their rootlessness on account of their native culture, dare I say their values, being eroded if not destroyed by a flat-land philosophy for life. This after 9/11 augmented religious fundamentalisms. People today want their rights but without responsibility toward the other and with this selfish attitude have developed both roots and wings!
I’m not campaigning for a
‘tolerance’ that ends up as compromise where people without moral absolutes
don’t have guts to stand for something and eventually fall for everything!
Today’s moral relativism has a way of confusing mother Theresa with Lady Diana.
I’m concerned because in life, we are not celebrating our differences but
rather arrogantly exploiting ‘the other’, be it another faith or way of doing
something, anything. We adopt: ‘It’s my way or the highway policy’ at home with
kids or in our governments.
Anyway, I’m advocating Glocalization –
where there is a healthy hybridity. Today, global trends are indeed shaping
local cultures, see what’s happened in our traditional cities, Bombay now
Mumbai, India or Nairobi, Kenya, our daughters in their cut-off jeans with
iPods are invading the malls, Gosh! I could be in NY!
Yet, local culture can shape and has made global phenomena. Don’t we all love
Italian pizzas, Chinese take-away, Indian curry? Did you know India gave the
world shampoo and pajamas!?
The ‘glocal’ gives respect to ‘the other’ yet, remains winsome through a life that reflects truth and love. I’m referring to the (only) Truth that sets us free and a perfect love that casts out all fear! (John 8:38; 1 John 4:18, John 10:10).
Perhaps the Westminster Confession had it right that the chief end of humans is to know God and to enjoy Him forever. Such experiential knowledge and life in Christ is Abundant not indulgent, and guess what, I’m lov’ Him!
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