Katholiciteit en Globalisering: Een Theologisch Alternatief

This research project explores an alternative vision and practice of globalization based on the notion of catholicity. The central thesis is that while globalization - marked by the hegemony of a single globalizing culture over local cultures and an accompanying vision of unity as uniformity - warrants critical scrutiny or even avoidance, the proper response to it should not be a stark turn towards particularism. Instead, it should adopt a balanced approach that transcends the binary of global dominance versus local resistance, seeking a middle path that respects both global interconnectedness and local distinctiveness, and fosters a mutually enriching encounter between the two. The notion of catholicity is employed in this research as providing a viable theoretical and practical framework for such an alternative approach. This research proceeds in three major steps. It begins with a chapter on the imperialistic dimensions of globalization and two principal theological responses to it. The first response gravitates towards embracing particularism, whereas the second, influenced by the sociological concept of 'glocalization', offers a perspective on the global-local interplay by advocating the ideas of 'multiple identities' and 'hybridity'. Despite their breakthroughs, however, these responses fail to overcome the drawbacks of globalization. The first response grounds itself on a misleading presupposition that each cultural entity is self-contained, static, and unalterable, potentially leading to fundamentalism or the artificial celebration of differences. The second fails to address the hidden unequal power dynamics inherent in both glocalization and hybridization processes. The second chapter focuses on an extensive discussion of the notion of 'catholicity', and how it could provide a theoretical framework for an alternative vision and practice of globalization. While catholicity is traditionally recognized as one of the marks of the Church according to the Nicene-Constantinople creed, this chapter argues that its significance extends far beyond it being an ecclesiastical attribute. Catholicity captures a Christian worldview of the cosmos, humanity, the Church, and socio-political order. Building on the analyses of the first two chapters, the third chapter elaborates on how the notion of 'catholicity' can illuminate new pathways for understanding and practicing globalization. This alternative perspective on globalization provides the three general conclusions of this thesis. First, catholicity embraces a vision of the unity of the world as communion, positioning it as a counterpoint to the view of globalization's unity as uniformity. The vision of the world as a communion of localities offers a more refined equilibrium between global and local dynamics. Second, catholicity supports the concept of a polyhedric society. The catholic model of unity as communion precludes either the hegemony of a singular globalizing culture or radical particularism of local cultures. Instead, it promotes the creation of a polyhedric society. Third, catholicity lays the groundwork for global solidarity, an essential element in realizing a form of globalization that is truly inclusive. These alternative vision and practice transcend mere intercultural dialogue and place priority on solidarity with the marginalized in society - those who suffer the most from the detrimental effects of the current form of globalization.