Abstract
The author argues that a sacred ethos rather than a civil religion integrates global society. This poses problems for traditional religions since they consider this ethos too individualistic. Globalization stimulates the expression of specific cultures since universalism generates particularism. A typical problem for “multinational” religions, proclaiming their universalism, emerges: they are confronted with requests for acculturation by autochthone cultures. However, no religion escapes the dual demand for universalism and particularism in the global circumstance: they have to adapt their structure and culture. As far as functions are concerned, traditional religions still play an important role in giving expression to particular communities: they provide nations and regions with symbolic expression, and rituals for integration. However, their societal functions are undermined. The “world-affirming” New Religious Movements, to the contrary, seem better adapted to play a societal role.