Transfiguring Civil Society: Religious Festivals as Political Spaces

| Posted in: Religion

Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Robert Benedicty, Transfiguration sacrale de la société civile, La fête religieuse comme lieu politique dans la société arabe contemporaine
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions” publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales”)
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Subtitle: Beyrouth, Édition Dar-el-machreq, 2001, 246 p. (bibliogr., index, tablx., annexes, graphiques)

Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Jean Lambert


Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:

(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)

Full text available for: Robert Benedicty, Transfiguration sacrale de la société civile, La fête religieuse comme lieu politique dans la société arabe contemporaine

Year: 2002 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.1604

Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The text serves as a review of Robert Benedicty’s work, "Transfiguration sacrale de la société civile," examining the political significance of religious festivals in contemporary Arab societies. Published in 2001 by Édition Dar-el-machreq, the book focuses on various religious celebrations in Lebanon, analyzing the interplay between civic identity and religious affiliation within a context fraught with socio-political tensions. The review highlights the methodological rigor and anthropological insights embedded in the text, making it an essential study for understanding the complex dynamics of identity in the region.

The Political Nature of Religious Festivals

One of Benedicty’s central concepts is the idea that religious festivals serve as political arenas where communal and individual identities are expressed and negotiated. He investigates three specific festivals: Good Friday in a Greek Melkite village, ‘Ashurâ’ among Shiite communities in southern Lebanon, and the Baptism ceremony in a village in Akkar. Through these celebrations, participants navigate their confessional identities while simultaneously asserting their civic belonging. The book posits that the blending of sacred and civic forms during these events underscores a lack of distinction between the religious and the political within these communities, exemplifying how the sacred can function as a medium for political expression.

The Challenge of Confessionalism

Another significant theme that emerges from Benedicty’s analysis is the challenge posed by confessional politics to the social fabric of Arab societies. He explores how specific rituals are employed to foster a sense of community while also reinforcing existing societal divisions. Through his examination of the ‘Ashurâ’ ritual, for instance, he illustrates how differing interpretations within the Shiite community reflect underlying tensions between social groups, such as religious leaders and common participants. This dynamic reveals that while festivals can provide occasions for collective emotion and solidarity, they can also serve to exacerbate existing divisions based on political and religious affiliations.

Identity Formation and Spiritual Crisis

Benedicty also addresses the theme of identity formation within the socio-economic realities faced by the Lebanese populace, particularly looking at the younger generations. The author observes that the first-generation Muslim immigrants face significant challenges in navigating their religious identities in a secular context, often resulting in a crisis of belonging. This vulnerable identity is further complicated by limited educational opportunities among older generations, which restricts their ability to transmit religious values and practices to their children. Consequently, the younger generation experiences a disconnection from their religious roots, leading to a search for meaning amid the pressures of modern consumerist society.

Conclusion

In summary, Robert Benedicty’s "Transfiguration sacrale de la société civile" offers a deep and nuanced examination of the intertwining relationships between religion, identity, and politics in contemporary Arab societies. Through a close analysis of religious festivals, the text unveils the complexities of confessionalism, the role of rituals in shaping social solidarity, and the spiritual crises faced by younger generations. This rich anthropological study is not only relevant for understanding the socio-political landscape of Lebanon but also contributes significantly to broader discourses on religion and identity in the modern world. The author's observations call for a reevaluation of the connections between the sacred and the civic, suggesting that these elements are far from being dichotomous in the contexts studied.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the main focus of Robert Benedicty's book?

The book examines the role of religious festivals in shaping civil society and political dynamics in contemporary Arab societies, particularly focusing on their impact on communal identities.

What methodologies does Benedicty employ in his research?

Benedicty uses ethnographic methods, including field studies of various religious celebrations, to analyze their social and political implications in Lebanese communities.

How does Benedicty relate religion and politics in his work?

He argues that religious rituals serve as politically significant events that reinforce social identities, highlighting the intertwined nature of religious and civic dimensions in Arab societies.

What challenge do Muslim minorities face in France according to the text?

Muslim minorities struggle with existential and identity-related issues, compounded by economic disadvantages and cultural barriers, particularly in adapting their religious practices to a secular French context.

Which communities does Benedicty's research focus on?

His research centers on various Lebanese communities, including Greek Melkite, Shiite, and Maronite populations, observing how they enact and negotiate their identities through religious festivals.

What does Benedicty critique regarding the relationship between the sacred and civil society?

He critiques the reduction of religion to mere social identity, stressing the need for a comprehensive understanding of faith that transcends its communal and political functions.

Glossary definitions and references:

Theological and religious glossary list for “Transfiguring Civil Society: Religious Festivals as Political Spaces”. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.

1) Village:
The village serves as a crucial context where communal and religious identities are shaped, acting as a space for social interaction and local governance, thus having significant implications on the social dynamics and collective identity of its residents.

2) Religion:
Religion plays a central role in shaping community bonds, social identity, and cultural rituals, often manifesting through festivals and communal activities that reinforce a shared sense of purpose and belonging.

3) Celebration:
Celebration serves as an important ritualistic expression within communities, allowing groups to come together to affirm their social ties and shared beliefs, especially during festive periods that hold significant cultural meaning.

4) Space:
Space refers to the relational dynamics inherent in social settings, where religious and civic expressions intertwine, influencing how communities articulate their identities and navigate their existence.

5) Festival:
Festival is a significant cultural manifestation through which communities express their religious beliefs, creating a space for collective memory, identity reinforcement, and social cohesion amidst the complexities of modern society.

6) Identity:
Identity is continually shaped through the intersection of religious beliefs and local customs, enabling individuals to navigate their social environments and establish a sense of belonging within their community.

7) Priest:
The priest acts as a key figure in mediating religious practices, embodying the spiritual authority within the community and guiding its members through the performance of rituals and festivals that reinforce collective identity.

8) Experience:
Experience encapsulates the lived realities of community members as they engage in religious and cultural practices, facilitating a deeper connection to their shared heritage and collective memory.

9) Nature:
Nature signifies the intrinsic relationship between human existence and the physical environment, which often influences religious practices and celebrations, reflecting the community's connection to land and resources.

10) Manifest (Manifested, Manifestation, Manifesting):
Manifestation pertains to the visible expression of beliefs and cultural norms within the context of festivals and rituals, showcasing how religious practices are performed and perceived in public life.

11) Monotheism:
[see source text or glossary: #Monotheism#]

12) Possession:
[see source text or glossary: #Possession#]

13) Dimension:
Dimension refers to the multifaceted aspects of community life where religion intersects with social, political, and cultural elements, affecting how communities navigate their existence and relationships.

14) Himalaya (Hima-alaya):
[see source text or glossary: #Himalaya#]

15) Child (Children):
[see source text or glossary: #Children#]

16) Obstacle:
Obstacle signifies the challenges faced by communities, such as economic disadvantages or cultural barriers, which can hinder the effective practice of religion and participation in communal life.

17) Victory:
[see source text or glossary: #Victory#]

18) Temple:
Temple serves as a physical manifestation of belief, representing a space where spiritual practices are conducted and community members come together to celebrate their faith and cultural identity.

19) Indian:
[see source text or glossary: #Indian#]

20) Valley:
Valley denotes the geographical and cultural context where specific social and religious dynamics unfold, shaping the identity and community practices of its inhabitants.

21) Power:
Power reflects the various authority structures within communities that dictate the dynamics of religious and civic life, influencing how rituals are performed and whose narratives are highlighted.

22) Dead:
Dead often represent a focal point in commemorative rituals and celebrations, solidifying community identity through collective remembrance and honor toward past ancestors and significant figures.

23) Consciousness:
[see source text or glossary: #Consciousness#]

24) Environment:
[see source text or glossary: #Environment#]

25) Agriculture:
Agriculture forms a critical aspect of community life, often intertwined with social rituals and festivals that celebrate seasonal changes, thus reinforcing the connection between land, sustenance, and cultural identity.

26) Liberation:
Liberation signifies a collective aspiration often articulated through rituals and celebrations, seeking to transcend past oppressions and affirm community identity in the face of socio-political challenges.

27) Separation (Separateness, Separate, Separated):
Separation indicates the distinct boundaries often established between religious practices and civil society, exploring the tensions inherent in maintaining religious identity within secular contexts.

28) Science (Scientific):
[see source text or glossary: #Scientific#]

29) Knowledge:
Knowledge embodies the understanding and interpretations of religious texts and practices, often shaped by cultural and educational backgrounds influencing community leaders and participants alike.

30) Evolution:
[see source text or glossary: #Evolution#]

31) Salvation:
[see source text or glossary: #Salvation#]

32) Spiritual:
[see source text or glossary: #Spiritual#]

33) Existence:
Existence refers to the lived experiences of individuals within their religious and community contexts, highlighting the everyday realities and challenges that shape their identities and practices.

34) Cemetery:
Cemetery signifies a space of remembrance and reflection in community life, where the dead are honored, and collective memory is preserved through rituals that affirm the community's historical continuity.

35) Merchant:
[see source text or glossary: #Merchant#]

36) Marriage:
[see source text or glossary: #Marriage#]

37) Critique:
Critique involves an examination of societal practices and beliefs, challenging conventional narratives and calling for a re-evaluation of how communities engage with both religious and civic identities.

38) Grafting:
[see source text or glossary: #Grafting#]

39) Buddhism (Buddhist tradition):
[see source text or glossary: #Buddhism#]

40) Deity (Deities):
Deities symbolize the divine presence within religious practices, representing the spiritual beliefs and cultural narratives that shape community rituals and festivals.

41) Freedom:
[see source text or glossary: #Freedom#]

42) Emotion:
Emotion encapsulates the feelings and sentiments expressed during rituals and festivals, acting as a catalyst for community bonding and shared experiences during celebratory moments.

43) Hundred:
[see source text or glossary: #Hundred#]

44) Network:
Network reflects the interconnectedness of community members as they engage in collective practices and rituals, facilitating social support and the construction of shared identities.

45) Family:
Family serves as a foundational unit within communities, influencing the transmission of religious beliefs and practices across generations, where familial relations play a significant role in identity formation.

46) Debate:
Debate represents the ongoing discussions surrounding the relationship between religion and civic identity, highlighting the complexities and differing perspectives within the community concerning these themes.

47) Farmer:
Farmer represents individuals who engage with the land and agricultural practices, emphasizing the intertwining of livelihood with religious rituals that reflect the community's cultural heritage.

48) Memory:
Memory plays a pivotal role in community identity, where collective remembrance through rituals and celebrations reinforces the bonds among community members and honors their shared history.

49) Syria (Syrian):
[see source text or glossary: #Syria#]

50) House:
[see source text or glossary: #House#]

51) Shumni (Sumni, Sunni):
[see source text or glossary: #Sunni#]

52) White:
[see source text or glossary: #White#]

53) Woman (Women):
Women often play vital roles within community festivals and religious practices, influencing the social fabric and reflecting the cultural norms surrounding gender dynamics in ritual contexts.

54) Light:
[see source text or glossary: #Light#]

55) Faith:
Faith embodies the personal convictions and beliefs of community members, shaping their religious practices and guiding their participation in collective rituals and celebrations.

56) Pari:
[see source text or glossary: #Pari#]

57) Cult:
Cult refers to the specific set of beliefs and practices surrounding a religious group, emphasizing the distinctive identity and social dynamics that emerge within communal celebrations.

58) Void:
Void symbolizes the sense of disconnection or loss experienced by some community members, often prompting a search for belonging through religious festivals and rituals in times of change.

59) Book:
[see source text or glossary: #Book#]

60) Hope:
Hope represents the aspirations and desires for a better future expressed in community rituals, emphasizing a collective yearning for peace, stability, and shared identity amidst socio-political challenges.

61) Soil:
Soil signifies not only the physical land upon which agricultural practices are pursued but also the cultural and spiritual roots that connect communities to their heritage and identity.

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