Globalization, Civil Society and Religion from a Latin American Standpoint
Author(s)
Romero, Catalina
Abstract
Religion in Latin American is Catholic and is becoming universal, ecumenic and global. Since the 16th century, the people of Peru have fought to retain their cultural identity despite Western encroachment. This paper explores three particular issues: (1) the interplay of the local and the global in the recent history of the Catholic church, (2) the emergence of a theological thinking which is grounded in the practical world and in the consciousness of the poor and middle class citizens, (3) the expansion of civil society with the diversification of the elite and the incorporation of the rural and urban masses. Finally, the impact of these internal changes and how they relate to globalization in religion and culture is examined.
