Biblical and Theological Studies Faculty Publications

Wagon Trains and Rhizomes: Metaphors of Globalization and their Implications for Religion

Authors

Dave Mills

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Fall 2011

Journal Title

The Review of Faith and International Affairs

Volume

9

Issue

3

First Page

3

Last Page

10

Abstract

Francis Fukuyama's “wagon train” metaphor expresses a view of globalization widely held in the West. It assumes that every country or economy is heading for the same destination, but some are more developed than others. This metaphor does not adequately equip us to face the challenges generated by our globally interconnected economies, political systems, and religions. The metaphor of the expansive and heterogeneous rhizome, as explained by philosopher Gilles Deleuze, offers a more accurate interpretation of global realities. Religions, as hybrid and indigenizing transnational entities, are uniquely positioned to form principled connections in a rhizomatic paradigm.

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