A Biblical basis for localization

Purpose ‐ The purpose of this paper is to develop a Biblical basis for localization as against globalization. This paper argues that the normative direction of Biblical thought is toward the localization of socio-economic activity. A case study is made for the developing world today relevant to localization. Design/methodology/approach ‐ An evaluation is made of normative Biblical teaching that might have bearing on the localization of socio-economic activity. How this teaching could apply to the contemporary developing world is assessed. Findings ‐ Normative Biblical teaching is oriented toward localization. This emphasis is capable of being applied in the developing world. Originality/value ‐ The case that normative Biblical teaching is in favour of localization rather then dispersal (and thereby globalization) has not been made previously. For those who believe that normative Biblical teaching has relevance today, the localization bias challenges the widespread acceptance of globalization.