He started the discussion with a brief history of how western cultures (politics, economics, etc.) are based on the values of Christendom. When America was formed, it was dubbed the "Great Experiment." At the time, many people thought it would never work because people can't handle political and economic freedom and free markets. Obviously the experiment ended up working out, and Mr. Frengel attributed that to the values of Christendom that had been established over the centuries. Biblical values shaped the systems and laws which were established for the American great experiment.
He then described globalization as this era's "Great Experiment." He defines globalization in two distinctly different ways: globalization with a little "g" and globalization with a big "G." The little g represents healthy progress as the world makes advances through communication and transportation systems. People are now more interconnected, which should have a more positive impact on economics, politics, and culture in general. Then, Frengel described the Globalization as a radical religion, with leaders pushing this global agenda in the media, universities, politics, and economics. They are all intertwined, and the globalists (who used to be marginalized as "weird" people) that are pushing this agenda are leading the charge. These globalists desire a one world government, one world economic system, and a New World Order. These are people like Strobe Talbot. Frengel then said that the current economic crisis is directly related to the harm that Globalization has caused. He said that as the American "Great Experiment" was guided by biblical values, the Globalization "Great Experiment" has no moral compass or accountability. So... when a foreign country intentionally drives down American currency, or when American companies can't compete with foreign companies over the same products because those foreign companies are cheating or manipulating the economic systems, this all ultimately leads to the breakdown of America's prosperity, national security, or society in general.
Maybe the most controversial statement that Frengel made was that all American systems (politics, economics, academia, and the media) are currently being led by big "G" globalists, including the last three US presidents and the current president elect. Furthermore, there is a revolving door of globalists through these systems... meaning that CEO's get powerful jobs in politics or academia, and vice versa. These leaders desire to see Globalization implemented, and this can only be accomplished if there is no one world superpower. So, America must be brought down in order for the new world global order to rise.
Frengel concluded with a challenge to the Christian leaders in attendance. He said that Christian leaders must seek to understand what is going on, and they must engage culture. Much discernment is required because many of the big "G" globalists claim to be Christians, but they are not implementing biblical values in their leadership decisions. For instance, whether or not President Bush meant to cause harm intentionally as a part of a globalist conspiracy, or if the harm was caused unintentionally, the economic crisis still happened and many people were harmed. Christian leaders must understand what is going on so that they can be a part of the solutions moving forward (fundamental change instead of bailouts or stimulus packages, etc.) Christian leaders need to engage culture and be savvy.
I'm not saying I agree with everything he said, but as you can tell his presentation stirred up a lot of interesting things to think about and discuss. What is my role as a Christian leader as it relates to globalization (g and G). How can I personally engage culture more effectively? What will I be learning about globalization at BGU? How does this impact my ministry context here in Pittsburgh?
1 comment:
Bryan, interesting stuff here, though I'm not sure how much I agree with it. One thought I had though is it seems that the g and G people really have the wrong filter on their vision. If I am reading what you say correctly they are looking at the culture, money, business stuff, power, and economy. It seems to me if they would look less at the "globe" and more at the people within that globe - things would improve dramatically. There's where mentoring comes into play. Jesus worked with the people directly - if we follow his example and do it as he did - then we are doing our part as citizens of the eternal kindgom (the only G that matters)
Just some thoughts.
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