The Islamic-Christian Cedar: Lebanese Seeking National Unity
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Anne-Françoise Weber, Le Cèdre islamo-chrétien. Des Libanais à la recherche de l’unité nationale
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: Baden-Baden, Nomos, 2007, 255 p.
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Emma Aubin-Boltanski
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)
Full text available for: Anne-Françoise Weber, Le Cèdre islamo-chrétien. Des Libanais à la recherche de l’unité nationale
Year: 2008 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.19943
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Anne-Françoise Weber's book, "Le Cèdre islamo-chrétien. Des Libanais à la recherche de l’unité nationale," delves into the complex dynamics of interreligious relationships in Lebanon, focusing on both the dialogue between Islam and Christianity and the lived experiences of bi-religious families. Drawing from extensive fieldwork conducted between 2002 and 2005, Weber provides insights into the historical, social, and political backdrop of Lebanon's unique confessional state, which affects community relations and identity. This exploration seeks to understand whether a cohesive national identity can be formed within the existing framework of religious divides.
The Quest for National Unity
Weber addresses the contentious question of Lebanon's national identity by examining the country’s historical fragmentation. The confessionally-based political system, established through the National Pact of 1943, has often been criticized for promoting elite groups while hindering the formation of a cohesive state. Various scholars debate whether Lebanon embodies the full attributes of a nation; some argue it does, while others maintain that the deep-seated division among religious groups hampers the establishment of a unified state. Weber suggests the concept of "incomplete cohesion" to characterize Lebanon’s dilemma, emphasizing the need for a "new national myth" to foster unity among distinct religious communities.
The Dialogue Between Islam and Christianity
The book examines the phenomenon of interreligious dialogue in Lebanon, particularly its emergence and evolution since the end of the civil war. Weber identifies various types of dialogue—ranging from theological to ethical discussions—that aim to bridge the gap between Muslims and Christians. While the dialogue is presented as a means to foster coexistence and mutual understanding, the author critiques its potential superficiality, arguing that it can become politicized and lose its genuine meaning. The dialogue often remains detached from everyday realities and struggles, risking becoming mere rhetoric devoid of substantive impact on actual intercommunity relations.
The Experience of Bi-Religious Families
Weber highlights the experiences of bi-religious families, who navigate the complexities of intercommunal relationships more organically than the actors involved in formal dialogues. These families often strive for a "living together" ethos amidst societal pressures, embodying a more flexible identity that challenges rigid communal boundaries. They favor civil marriage and shared religious education, indicating a desire to transcend confessional distinctions. However, this juxtaposition of individual relationships against the backdrop of institutionalized religious authority underscores the broader societal challenges faced by those seeking a truly pluralistic environment in Lebanon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Weber offers a critical lens on the interreligious dialogue in Lebanon, positing that it ultimately reflects and perpetuates existing divisions rather than bridging them. While some events, such as public demonstrations after Rafic Hariri's assassination, suggest a shift toward a more unified national narrative, the overarching divisive structures of Lebanese society remain intact. Thus, while there may be moments of collective action and symbolism, the quest for genuine national unity continues to be hindered by entrenched confessionalism and institutional barriers. Weber’s work calls for a deeper understanding of the nuances in interreligious coexistence and the lived experiences of Lebanese citizens.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the central theme of Anne-Françoise Weber's book?
The book studies interreligious relations in Lebanon, focusing on Islamic-Christian dialogue and bi-religious families, exploring their significance in Lebanon's quest for national unity.
How does Weber describe Lebanon's political system?
Weber discusses Lebanon's confessionalism, a political system established in 1943, which allocates political power among religious communities, thus fostering both communalism and ongoing political conflict.
What is the significance of the 'dialogue' mentioned in the book?
The 'dialogue' refers to interfaith initiatives promoting Islamic-Christian cooperation, viewed by Weber as essential for creating a new national myth amidst the historical fragmentation of Lebanese identity.
How does Weber differentiate between actors of dialogue and bi-religious families?
She highlights that dialogue advocates focus on coexistence and collective identity, while bi-religious families experience a blended identity, fostering everyday interreligious relations contrary to rigid communal boundaries.
What criticisms does Weber offer regarding the dialogue initiatives?
Weber critiques the dialogue efforts for reinforcing religious differences instead of fostering genuine unity, arguing they often lead to superficial engagements rather than addressing deeper societal divisions.
What developments followed the assassination of Prime Minister Rafic Hariri?
Following Hariri's assassination, mass protests used religious symbols to advocate for national unity, signaling a shift in public discourse around coexistence beyond the elite-driven dialogue initiatives.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “The Islamic-Christian Cedar: Lebanese Seeking National Unity”. 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) Dialogue:
In the context of this book, dialogue refers to the multiple actions initiated for the purpose of fostering interreligious understanding among Christians and Muslims, deemed essential for overcoming historical grievances and constructing a national identity based on cooperation and coexistence.
2) Religion:
Religion serves as a significant cultural and social framework within this analysis, as it shapes the identities, familial dynamics, and intercommunal relationships in Lebanon, influencing both the actors involved in dialogue and the dynamics of bi-religious families.
3) Marriage:
Marriage in Lebanon is a complex institution shaped by confessional laws, and bi-religious marriages represent a challenge to these religious boundaries, highlighting the desire for a more unified family structure that transcends religious divisions.
4) Power:
The distribution of power in Lebanon is intricately tied to confessional identities; the political system grants authority based on religious affiliation, which complicates the enactment of dialogue and the aspirations for civil unity.
5) Logic (Logical):
The logic governing interreligious encounters often emphasizes collective differences rather than individual experiences, thus impacting how dialogue is framed and how unity among diverse identities can be fostered within Lebanon's societal structure.
6) Family:
Family dynamics are crucially examined, particularly how bi-religious families navigate their identities and relationships in the context of Lebanon's confessional political landscape, often facing societal pressures that complicate union and belonging.
7) Experience:
The experiences of individuals within bi-religious families contrast sharply with those of dialogue actors, revealing a more fluid understanding of identity that transcends collective labels based on religious affiliation.
8) Education:
The debate around shared religious education highlights the lack of consensus among dialogue actors, whereas bi-religious families lean towards support for educational systems that respect individual beliefs over confessional divisions.
9) Identity:
Identity in Lebanon is multi-faceted and often reflects the confessional nature of society; the dialogue attempts to unify differences under a national identity that struggles to accommodate the complexities of individual experiences.
10) Book:
The book acts as a critical exploration of the Islamo-Christian dialogue and bi-religious experiences, providing in-depth analysis and varied perspectives on the underlying societal structures that shape these interactions.
11) Recognition:
Recognition of diverse identities and experiences is essential for meaningful dialogue and any attempt to build national unity; however, prevailing power dynamics often inhibit this understanding.
12) Minister:
[see source text or glossary: Minister]
13) Rhetoric (Rhetorical):
The use of rhetoric surrounding interreligious dialogue often fails to translate into genuine understanding and unity; rhetorical expressions may serve political ends rather than foster genuine relationships among communities.
14) Feeling:
The emotional feelings surrounding interreligious interactions can create either positive synergy or lead to alienation, depending on the genuine engagement of individuals involved in the dialogue.
15) Syria (Syrian):
Syria's historical and political context currently shapes Lebanon's identity struggle and interreligious relations, underscoring the complexities under which national unity is negotiated.
16) Nature:
The nature of interreligious relationships as examined in the book reflects both the tensions inherent in Lebanese society and the potential for mutual understanding and acceptance among distinct communities.
17) Debate:
Debate plays a significant role in discussing reforms in the confessional political system and influences the dynamics of marriage and education in multi-religious contexts, reflecting societal divisions.
18) Desire:
The desire for a more inclusive approach to identity and relations between Christians and Muslims manifests predominantly in the experiences of bi-religious families seeking to carve out spaces for unity amidst division.
19) Shumni (Sumni, Sunni):
The Sunni political representation within Lebanon's confessional system underscores the broader dynamics of power distribution and religious representation that play a role in shaping interreligious dialogues.
20) Woman (Women):
Women often bear the brunt of confessional laws regarding marriage and family, and their rights are influenced by the prevailing religious discourse, impacting their identity and role within families.
21) Pari:
[see source text or glossary: Pari]
22) Sovereignty:
The question of Lebanon's sovereignty remains contentious amidst sectarian divisions, complicating efforts for collective action and dialogue aimed at fostering unity.
23) Confession:
Confession in Lebanon serves as a basis for political power distribution; understanding its role is crucial for addressing the challenges faced in promoting genuine interreligious dialogue.
24) Spiritual:
The spiritual dimension of Islamo-Christian dialogue reflects deeper values and beliefs that could potentially serve as bridging points between distinct communities, though often remains overshadowed by political agendas.
25) Reservoir:
Religion is portrayed as a reservoir of values, symbols, and myths, manipulated by those in power to either promote dialogue or reinforce divisions and identities within Lebanon.
26) Language:
Language plays a critical role in the dialogue process, impacting both communication and the framing of identity among religious groups in Lebanon; it can either facilitate understanding or perpetuate misunderstanding.
27) Child (Children):
Children from bi-religious families often navigate their identities differently, embodying the complexities of a dual religious heritage amidst broader societal expectations about confession and belonging.
28) Critique:
The book provides a critique of the efficacy of interreligious dialogue in Lebanon, revealing how it often fails to address the deep-seated confessional divisions that inhibit true unity.
29) Obstacle:
Obstacles to achieving genuine interreligious dialogue include entrenched confessional interests that prioritize distinct identities over cooperative unity, creating barriers to effective communication.
30) Freedom:
The quest for freedom within interreligious relationships entails navigating the constraints imposed by confessional identities and systems, emphasizing the need for more inclusive frameworks.
31) Gesture:
Symbolic gestures among religious communities, such as shared prayers or commemorative acts, reflect a yearning for unity; however, they often have to navigate the complexities of historical divides.
32) Leaf (Leaves):
[see source text or glossary: Leaves]
33) Prayer:
The act of prayer, particularly when interwoven between different faiths, serves as a significant gesture of solidarity, though its meaning can be complicated by underlying socio-political tensions.
34) Image:
Imagery associated with interreligious dialogue often symbolizes hopes for unity, yet may mask the persistent realities of division and conflict inherent in Lebanese society.
35) Space:
The quest for non-confessional spaces remains a central desire among bi-religious families, where identity and belief can be freely expressed without the constraints of rigid confessional boundaries.
36) Limit (Limiting, Limited):
The limits imposed by confessional structures on individual and collective identities complicate the narrative of national unity and often perpetuate sectarian divisiveness.
37) Union:
Union among Lebanon's diverse communities remains a complex objective, often discussed in theoretical terms yet undermined by the realities of political and religious divisions.
38) Anti (Amti):
[see source text or glossary: Anti]
39) Soul:
The concept of the soul in interreligious dialogue can be a focal point for discussions of spirituality and moral commonalities, although these discussions are frequently superficial when not grounded in mutual respect.