Religion and Nation: Identity Journeys and Witness Narratives
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Marcel Niqueux, (coord.), Religion et Nation. Parcours identitaires, discours des témoins
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”)
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Subtitle: Caen, Université de Caen – Pôle Identité-Mémoire, Cahiers de la Maison de la Recherche en Sciences humaines 43, 2005, 225 p.
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Patrick Cabanel
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)
Full text available for: Marcel Niqueux, (coord.), Religion et Nation. Parcours identitaires, discours des témoins
Year: 2007 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.11773
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The publication "Religion et Nation. Parcours identitaires, discours des témoins," edited by Marcel Niqueux, emerged from a colloquium organized by the "Testimony" and "Nation" axes at the University of Caen's Pôle Identité-Mémoire. This volume compiles ten diverse research papers that explore the intricate relationships between religion and nation across various cultural contexts and historical periods. The work is framed by introductory reflections from Camille Tarot, which address the challenges of defining religion and nation, and a provocative conclusion by Alexandre Dorna questioning whether secularism should be understood as a religious phenomenon.
The Concept of National Identity and Religion
One key theme in the collection is the complex interplay of national identity and religious affiliation. Camille Tarot offers a typology proposing four possible relationships between the two: a nation embedded within a religion (e.g., Poland and France as predominantly Catholic, or Russia with its Orthodox identity), a nation existing independently of religion (e.g., France's secular state in the last two centuries), a nation that identifies itself essentially as a religion (notably in Nazism), or a scenario in which religion becomes nationalized, as seen in radical Islamism or Hindu nationalism. Further illustrative case studies, such as the Kriachènes' conversion from Islam to Orthodox Christianity leading to a distinct national identity, and Dostoïevski's concept of a uniquely Russian God, highlight how personal faith and collective identity can be intertwined in potentially conflicting ways, reflected in specific historical contexts.
Conclusion
The discussions throughout this volume underscore that the relationship between religion and national identity remains a complex and dynamic field of inquiry. Different historical cases illustrate varying degrees of intertwining between faith and national belonging, shedding light on how these constructs influence social cohesion or conflict. By examining these intricate interactions, the contributors open pathways for ongoing conversation about the implications of religion within modern national narratives, suggesting that understanding these connections is critical for grasping contemporary societal challenges. Overall, the volume's contributions demonstrate that the themes of identity, religion, and national belonging are more relevant than ever amid ongoing discussions about secularism in modern societies.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main theme of the book edited by Marcel Niqueux?
The book explores the relationship between religion and nation, presenting various case studies across different cultures and historical contexts, emphasizing how identity formation is influenced by both religious beliefs and national narratives.
What are some key contributions included in the book?
The book includes ten articles by various researchers, featuring topics like the identity of the Kriachènes Tatars, the role of Huguenots in Prussia's formation, and the interplay between Catholicism and national identity in England and Italy.
How does Camille Tarot approach the definition of religion and nation?
Camille Tarot discusses the challenges of defining religion and nation, presenting a typology that categorizes their interactions, which remains relevant despite ongoing secularization, suggesting different models of their relationship across various cultural contexts.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Religion and Nation: Identity Journeys and Witness Narratives”. 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) Religion:
Religion plays a crucial role in shaping national identity and culture, as discussed in the volume. The relationship between religion and nation highlights how religion can influence societal norms and individual beliefs, and how it has been a contentious factor throughout history, as illustrated by various case studies in the book.
2) Identity:
Identity is a central theme in this collection, focusing on how individuals and groups define themselves in relation to religion and nation. The book explores various identity paths, showing that identity can be multifaceted, especially when religious beliefs intersect with national citizenship.
3) Reflection:
Reflection in the context of this work pertains to the deep considerations and analyses conducted by various authors regarding the interplay between religion and nation. These reflections invite readers to think critically about historical and contemporary implications of identity shaped by religious and national narratives.
4) Literature:
Literature serves as a vital lens through which cultural identity and religious themes are examined. The book includes literary analyses, such as studies on T.S. Eliot, demonstrating how literature influences and reflects societal values, moral dilemmas, and the ongoing discourse surrounding religion and identity.
5) Confusion (Confused):
Confusion arises when religion and nation are not clearly distinguished, leading to identity dilemmas for individuals, particularly in historical contexts. The book addresses such confusions, especially in the case of Catholics in England, where allegiance to national and religious identity became contentious.
6) Lead:
Lead refers to how various contributions in the anthology guide readers through complex discussions on religion and national identity. The editors and authors lead a discourse that illuminates the multifaceted relations of these concepts in different historical and cultural contexts.
7) Conversation:
Conversation encapsulates the dialogue presented in the book, as multiple authors bring diverse perspectives on the interaction of religion and nation. This conversation cultivates a deeper understanding of identity issues and cultural narratives across different societies.
8) Discussion:
Discussion is integral to this edited volume, engaging multiple viewpoints on how religious narratives shape national identities. Noteworthy discussions include secularism, the role of religious minorities, and how historical events influence contemporary identity politics.
9) Philosophy:
Philosophy, particularly regarding civic coexistence and the nature of secularism, is explored in the contributions. The philosophical discourse guides the reader's understanding of how religious and national identities coexist or conflict within various societies.
10) Separation (Separateness, Separate, Separated):
Separation refers to the various historical laws and practices distinguishing religion from the state. This theme is pivotal in understanding how secular principles evolved in nations like France, significantly impacting national identity and citizenship.
11) Testimony:
Testimony serves as a method of conveying personal and historical narratives that highlight the link between religion and national identity. The authors examine how testimonies reflect experiences of identity formation across different cultural and historical backgrounds.
12) Hinduism:
[see source text or glossary: Hinduism]
13) Merchant:
Merchant reflects the economic and ethical dimensions discussed concerning the transition from religious morality to political morality. This theme emphasizes how merchant ethics have influenced identities and interactions within socio-economic frameworks in various cultures.
14) Child (Children):
[see source text or glossary: Children]
15) Citizen:
Citizen is a crucial term that signifies the intersection of individual identity with national belonging. The book delves into how citizenship is defined, especially concerning religious allegiance and the resulting identity conflicts faced by individuals.
16) Extreme:
Extreme illustrates the depth of identity experiences, particularly in cases like the Kriachènes, where religious conversion fundamentally shapes their national identity. This extreme case highlights the intense personal and collective journey of identity formation.
17) Family:
[see source text or glossary: Family]
18) Nature:
Nature pertains to the inherent qualities and characteristics of religion and nation as they relate to identity. The volume examines how the nature of these connections can vary significantly across different cultural and historical landscapes.
19) Memory:
[see source text or glossary: Memory]
20) Birth:
Birth signifies not just the beginning of identity but the historical and cultural origins of national and religious narratives explored in this book. The theme of rebirth in religious and national identity dialogs represents a continuous evolution of these concepts.
21) Frame:
Frame refers to the context within which the authors analyze religion and nation. The framing of these concepts facilitates understanding the intricate links between personal identity and broader societal narratives, woven throughout the anthology.
22) Anti (Amti):
Anti suggests opposing forces observed in the social and religious dynamics discussed. For instance, anti-Catholic sentiments in historical contexts underscore the conflicts between nationality and religious identity that shaped individual experiences.
23) Cura:
[see source text or glossary: Cura]
24) Book:
Book signifies the collection of essays coming together to address the intertwined themes of religion and national identity. As an academic work, it serves to enrich the understanding of how these themes remain relevant in contemporary discourse.
25) Face (Facing, Faced):
[see source text or glossary: Face]