Shaking The Gates of Hell

What is the significance of the book's title?

We face multiple crises:  climate change and other environmental problems, a growing gap between rich and poor, violence, terror, and war.  If we continue on in the direction we are going, we face a living hell on earth, with all these problems accelerating. 

The current global economic system, dominated by corporations, only exacerbates these problems.  We need to change course in a radical way.  This change begins with each of us as individuals, but must extend to the institutions and systems that govern the world--the Powers that be. 

Such transformation will require spiritual as well as political resistance to today's dominant ideology of "shop till you drop," which is based on a view of the Market as God.  I propose "faith-led resistance," a "no" to the current global order based on the "yes" of faith. 

How did you come to choose such an evocative title?

The title, Shaking the Gates of Hell, is based on a quote by John Wesley: "Give me a hundred preachers, and I care not a straw if they are clergy or laity, who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I will shake the gates of hell and set up the Kingdom of God on this earth."  Like John Wesley, I believe that personal spirituality and social concern must be linked.  This book shows how personal faithfulness can have profoundly positive effects in the world.

What is corporate globalization?

The term corporate globalization is a way of describing the current situation in which transnational corporations dominate key social, economic, and political institutions and steer human culture, government policies, and international trade and investment in ways that prioritize corporate profits above all else.  Some call it "the McDonaldization of the world."  This situation has also been called "empire," a new form of colonialism dominated by the United States, which uses its political, economic, and military power to extend free-market capitalism around the world. Others call it corporate rule.

This book provides an overview of the global economy.  It describes the growing rights of corporations and shows how the rulemaking institutions of the global economy (like the IMF, World Bank, and WTO) defend those rights.  It also describes the police and military enforcement mechanisms of corporate globalization.  

You speak of a "race to the bottom."  What does this mean?

Transnational corporations seeking shareholder profits drive the global economy.  These huge corporations roam the earth, seeking the lowest wages, the best "security," and the most lax environmental standards.  Countries and communities lower their environmental, labor, and human rights standards in order to compete for corporate investment.  This "race to the bottom" leads to increased poverty, growing inequity, and environmental damage.

What is faith-led resistance?

Theologian William Stringfellow said that in times of great social evil, the only way to remain human is to live in resistance.  Faith-led resistance is deeply personal and is expressed in different ways.  It can include prayer and meditation, personal lifestyle change, work within faith communities, community organizing, political advocacy, or nonviolent direct action. 

In this book I point to Jesus, who lived in resistance to the dominant institutions of his day, and paid the ultimate price.  Both Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. pointed to Jesus as the model for their campaigns of nonviolent social change.

How is this book different from other books on globalization?

It's different in several ways.  First, I approach the topic of corporate globalization from a theological perspective. I don't shy away from spiritual or moral issues.

The book gives a detailed overview of the institutions that make up the global economy, how they function, and the harm they cause.  And it points in the direction of alternatives. I focus on practical responses--what people of faith can do to respond to the global crisis. 

At the same time, the book is highly readable, because I include lots of personal stories.  It doesn't feel academic.  It's full of information and analysis, but it's down to earth and easy to understand. 

Why did you write the book?

I wrote the book to answer the question, "What are the forces behind the accelerating ecological destruction and growing human misery?"  The global economic system that is wreaking such havoc is not an accidental phenomenon driven by abstract and irreversible forces.  It is designed, supported, and enforced by concrete institutions.  The system is designed for the results it's getting.  It's paying off handsomely for the fortunate few, but it is causing great harm and in the long run is unsustainable.

How long did it take for you to write?

My book begins with my reflections from Kings County Jail in Seattle, where I spent two days during the WTO protests in 1999.  When I was released, I announced to supporters who had gathered that I was planning to write a book on faith-led resistance to corporate globalization.  They cheered.  I wrote it over the next seven years.

What process did you go through in writing the book? 

I wrote in the morning after my prayer and meditation--it was part of my spiritual practice.  When I neglected working on the book, like Jeremiah, it was as if there was a fire shut up in my bones--I needed to write it.  I'm convinced that the Holy Spirit motivated me and guided me in my writing, so I believe the book has a message that people need to hear.

Who is the audience for this book?

I hope that everyone who cares about the future will read this book.  It will appeal to anyone who is concerned about peace, justice, and the environment.  Pastors, professors, university students, and seminarians will find it useful, but it is primarily directed toward the general public and people in the pews. 

Is it written only for Christians?

No.  Although I write from a Christian perspective, this book has a universal application.  It is a call to all people to bring the resources of the world's great spiritual traditions to bear upon the current global crisis. Only by tapping into these spiritual traditions and connecting with the wisdom of the earth itself will we have a strong enough spiritual and moral foundation to carry us through this pivotal time. 

Does the book have any policy recommendations?

Yes.  I join with many others in advocating alternative ways of organizing the global community based on several basic core principles, such as participatory democracy, ecological sustainability, protection of the commons, human rights, the right to a livelihood, food safety and food security, equity, biological and cultural diversity, the precautionary principle.  Like others, I advocate creating locally and regionally sustainable communities and acting in solidarity with people around the world who are working for change.

Do you believe there is hope for the future?

Yes I do, but only if we find it within ourselves to rise to the great challenges of our day. 

Widespread spiritual, social, economic, and political change becomes possible as people participate in nonviolent resistance and develop alternative ways of living, often modeled on indigenous and traditional ways of life.

The good news is that the seeds for an alternative, hopeful future are being planted right now, all around the world, by people and communities who are working for peace, for justice, for human rights, for a sustainable world.  Together, these movements create a growing momentum toward a form of "globalization from below."

What is the basis of your hope?

The basis of my hope is God, the Creator of the Universe, who brings new life through Jesus Christ and empowers us through the Holy Spirit.  I trust in the One who, by the power at work within us, is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or even imagine, the One who is above all earthly rulers and authorities and powers, and who extends steadfast love to all generations.  With God all things are possible.