Peter Berger and Rosabeth Moss Kanter — Globalization and the Rise of Religion

In 'Many Globalizations', Peter Berger and Samuel Huntington bring together an array of scholars from around the world to paint a far subtler and more richly shaded portrait of globalization, showing both its power and unexpected consequences. The book challenges stereotypes of globalization as either American imperialism or an economic cure-all, demonstrating instead that an emerging global culture exists—one that is heavily American in origin but far from centrally directed. By surveying countries such as Chile, Japan, South Africa, Germany, Turkey, Hungary, Taiwan, India, and the United States, the authors define globalization's many variations, including subglobalizations that bind regions together, and highlight underappreciated forces like evangelical Protestantism and Opus Dei.

This seminal 1999 volume, edited by Peter L. Berger, challenges the centuries-old secularization theory by demonstrating that the modern world is as religious as ever, and in some places more so than before. Berger argues that conservative, orthodox, and traditionalist religious movements are rising globally, while those that conform to perceived modernity are declining. The book posits that the 21st century will be just as religious as past generations, marking a significant shift from the earlier consensus that global modernization would lead to secularization.

In this book, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks argues that the key to avoiding a clash of civilizations lies in embracing and respecting the dignity of difference. Written in response to the tragic events of 9/11, Sacks proposes a paradigm shift in the approach to religious coexistence, advocating for a recognition of the value in diversity rather than seeking common ground alone. He draws on Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions to outline a path towards tolerance and peace, emphasizing the importance of moral values in a globalized world and the need for a coherent vision of global concern.

In 'The Secular City', Harvey Cox discusses the secular city as a space where religion is privatized and no longer dominates public policy. He supports secularization as a pragmatic focus on present issues but critiques secularism as an ideology. The book outlines three stages of human development: the age of the tribe, the age of the town, and the age of the technopolis, emphasizing the importance of embracing urban life.

In this book, Max Weber argues that the Protestant work ethic, especially as influenced by Calvinism, played a significant role in the development of modern capitalism. Weber posits that the concept of a 'calling' and the this-worldly asceticism of Protestantism fostered a culture of hard work, thrift, and the accumulation of wealth, which were crucial for the emergence of capitalist culture. He contrasts this with the traditional economic attitudes and the medieval monastic ideal of other-worldly asceticism. The book also explores how these religious ideas influenced the development of a rational and disciplined approach to economic activity, which became a hallmark of modern capitalism.