Faith Led Resistance to Corporate Globalization

An eye-opening look at spiritually motivated action against corporate globalization

"FEATURES

  • Offers an incisive overview and theological analysis of the global economic institutions and their effects
  • Reveals the larger cultural and social import of globalization
  • Reports the stories of nonviolent resistance to corporate globalization and gives examples of sustainable alternatives

Surprisingly vehement demonstrations at meetings of the World Trade Organization and International Monetary Fund have left many observers perplexed: What is the problem?

Global economic integration is harmful maintains author Sharon Delgado, since it undermines spiritual and cultural values, threatens local economies and mores, vitiates human rights, precipitates rapid environmental decline, and leaves a string of economic victims in its wake. Key to this process, she observes, are corporations. Shaking the Gates of Hell proposes a way for people of faith to respond to the growing power of corporations and their domination of the world's cultures, governments, and global institutions, and to develop creative alternatives.

Part One analyzes major threats facing humanity that are exacerbated by economic globalization: loss of biodiversity, climate change, toxic pollution, harmful technologies, growing inequity, social disruption, violence, terror, and war.

Part Two provides an overview of the global economy and adroitly sketches the structure, ideology, and functioning of economic globalization and the institutional "Powers."

Part Three asks what people of faith can do about this global crisis, and points to Jesus as one who demonstrates the power of faith-led resistance and hope for transformation.

Sharon Delgado is an ordained United Methodist minister and is founder and executive director of Earth Justice Ministries. A longtime activist and advocate for peace, justice, and the environment, she lives in Nevada City, California.