Transnationalism

Abstract

In this chapter we explore the ways in which transnational religious connections change communities of faith and their relationships with society. We explain the content and multi-directional nature of transnational religious flows, including the push and pull factors that draw such flows across borders. We argue that transnational religious connections create organizational and cultural change in local houses of worship and alter the global power dynamics within international religious communities. Transnational religious connections also change the way people of faith interact with public institutions and people of other faiths. Sometimes this results in positive interactions that allow religious values to strengthen civil society; sometimes it increases conflict between groups. What is clear is that transnational religious connections are an important part of contemporary global society and have significant power to create social and religious change.