7.6 Religious nationalism
9 min read•august 20, 2024
combines faith and patriotism, blending religious beliefs with national identity. It often emerges when groups feel their traditions are threatened, using religious symbols and myths to mobilize political support and legitimize authority.
This topic explores how religion shapes national identity, influences political movements, and impacts territorial claims. It also examines the potential for conflict, human rights issues, and regional variations in religious nationalism, as well as critiques and future prospects.
Origins of religious nationalism
- Religious nationalism emerged as a response to the rise of and the perceived threat to traditional religious identities and values
- It is rooted in the idea that a particular religious tradition is central to the identity and culture of a nation or ethnic group
- Religious nationalism often arises in contexts where there is a perceived conflict between religious and secular values or where religious groups feel marginalized or threatened by the state
Key characteristics of religious nationalism
- Religious nationalism is characterized by the belief that a particular religious tradition is essential to the identity and culture of a nation or ethnic group
- It often involves the politicization of religion and the use of religious symbols, myths, and rituals to mobilize political support and legitimize political authority
- Religious nationalism may also involve the promotion of religious law or the establishment of a theocratic form of government
Religion as basis for national identity
- In religious nationalism, religion is seen as the primary basis for national identity and belonging
- This may involve the idea that a particular religious tradition is the true or authentic expression of a nation's culture and values
- Religious nationalists may seek to promote religious homogeneity and suppress or marginalize other religious traditions
Use of religious myths and legends
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- Religious nationalists often draw on religious myths and legends to construct a sense of national identity and history
- These myths and legends may be used to legitimize territorial claims, justify political actions, or mobilize political support
- Examples include the use of the legend of King Arthur in British nationalism or the myth of the chosen people in Jewish nationalism
Religious sites as national symbols
- Religious sites such as temples, shrines, and holy places may be used as national symbols in religious nationalism
- These sites may be seen as embodying the sacred history and identity of the nation and may be used to mobilize political support or legitimize territorial claims
- Examples include the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, which is a holy site for both Jews and Muslims and has been a flashpoint for conflict between Israeli and Palestinian nationalists
Religious nationalism vs secular nationalism
- Religious nationalism is often seen as being in conflict with secular nationalism, which seeks to separate religion from politics and promote a non-religious basis for national identity
- Secular nationalists may view religious nationalism as a threat to individual rights, pluralism, and the separation of church and state
- Religious nationalists, on the other hand, may view secular nationalism as a threat to traditional religious values and identities
Religious nationalism and political mobilization
- Religious nationalism often involves the use of religious symbols, myths, and rituals to mobilize political support and legitimize political authority
- This may involve the formation of religious political parties or the use of religious rhetoric in political campaigns
- Religious leaders and institutions may also play a key role in mobilizing political support for religious nationalist movements
Role of religious leaders and institutions
- Religious leaders and institutions often play a key role in mobilizing political support for religious nationalist movements
- They may use their moral authority and influence to legitimize political actions or mobilize their followers to support particular political causes
- Examples include the role of the Catholic Church in Polish nationalism or the role of Hindu nationalist organizations in Indian politics
Religious nationalism in political parties
- Religious nationalism may be expressed through the formation of religious political parties that seek to promote a particular religious agenda or identity
- These parties may seek to implement religious law, promote religious education, or protect the rights and interests of a particular religious community
- Examples include the in Egypt, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in , and the Christian Democratic parties in Europe
Religious nationalism and territorial claims
- Religious nationalism often involves territorial claims based on the idea of a sacred homeland or holy land that is essential to the identity and destiny of a particular religious community
- These claims may be used to justify territorial expansion, annexation, or the establishment of a religious state
- Religious nationalists may also seek to control or restrict access to sacred sites or holy places
Concept of sacred homeland
- The concept of a sacred homeland is central to many forms of religious nationalism
- This may involve the belief that a particular territory is the divinely ordained homeland of a particular religious community and that this community has a sacred duty to defend and control this territory
- Examples include the Jewish concept of (the Land of Israel) or the Hindu nationalist idea of (Undivided India)
Religious justifications for territorial expansion
- Religious nationalists may use religious justifications to legitimize territorial expansion or annexation
- This may involve the idea that a particular territory is part of a divinely ordained homeland that must be reclaimed or that the expansion of a religious community's territory is a sacred duty
- Examples include the use of biblical justifications for Jewish settlement in the West Bank or the idea of jihad as a justification for Islamic territorial expansion
Religious nationalism and conflict
- Religious nationalism is often associated with conflict and violence, particularly in contexts where there are competing religious or ethnic identities
- Religious nationalists may view other religious or ethnic groups as a threat to their identity and may seek to suppress or eliminate these groups
- Religious nationalism may also be used to justify violence or terrorism in the name of defending a particular religious community or identity
Religious nationalism as source of ethnic conflict
- Religious nationalism may be a source of ethnic conflict, particularly in contexts where religious and ethnic identities are closely intertwined
- Religious nationalists may seek to promote the interests of a particular ethnic group or may view other ethnic groups as a threat to their religious identity
- Examples include the conflict between Sinhalese Buddhist nationalists and Tamil Hindu nationalists in Sri Lanka or the conflict between Muslim and Christian nationalists in Lebanon
Religious nationalism in separatist movements
- Religious nationalism may be a driving force behind separatist movements that seek to establish an independent state based on a particular religious identity
- These movements may view the existing state as a threat to their religious identity or may seek to establish a religious state that reflects their values and beliefs
- Examples include the in India, the in the Philippines, and the in Russia
Religious nationalism and human rights
- Religious nationalism may pose a threat to human rights, particularly the rights of religious minorities and women
- Religious nationalists may seek to impose religious law or restrict the rights of those who do not conform to their religious beliefs or practices
- Religious nationalism may also be used to justify discrimination or violence against those who are seen as a threat to the religious community or identity
Religious nationalism and minority rights
- Religious nationalism may pose a threat to the rights of religious minorities, who may face discrimination, persecution, or forced conversion
- Religious nationalists may seek to suppress or eliminate religious diversity in the name of promoting religious homogeneity or purity
- Examples include the persecution of , the treatment of , and the discrimination against non-Muslim minorities in Pakistan
Religious nationalism and gender equality
- Religious nationalism may also pose a threat to gender equality, as religious nationalists may seek to impose traditional gender roles and restrict the rights of women
- This may involve the promotion of patriarchal values, the restriction of women's access to education and employment, or the imposition of strict dress codes or behavioral norms
- Examples include the treatment of women under in Afghanistan or the restrictions on women's rights in Saudi Arabia
Religious nationalism in different regions
- Religious nationalism takes different forms and has different implications in different regions of the world
- The specific nature of religious nationalism may be shaped by the particular religious traditions, historical experiences, and political contexts of each region
Religious nationalism in Middle East
- In the Middle East, religious nationalism is often associated with Islamic fundamentalism and the desire to establish Islamic states based on sharia law
- Religious nationalism has been a driving force behind conflicts such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Iranian Revolution, and the rise of ISIS
- Religious nationalism in the Middle East is often intertwined with issues of colonialism, imperialism, and Western intervention
Religious nationalism in South Asia
- In South Asia, religious nationalism is often associated with the conflict between Hindus and Muslims, particularly in the context of the partition of India and the ongoing conflict over Kashmir
- has been a powerful force in Indian politics, particularly through the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its affiliated organizations
- Religious nationalism in South Asia is often intertwined with issues of caste, ethnicity, and regional identity
Religious nationalism in Europe
- In Europe, religious nationalism has often been associated with the rise of far-right political parties and movements that seek to defend traditional Christian values and identities against perceived threats from immigration, secularization, and globalization
- Examples include the Front National in France, the Lega Nord in Italy, and the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party
- Religious nationalism in Europe is often intertwined with issues of national identity, sovereignty, and the future of the European Union
Critiques of religious nationalism
- Religious nationalism has been criticized from a variety of perspectives, including secular, liberal, and pluralist perspectives
- Critics argue that religious nationalism is inherently divisive and exclusionary and that it poses a threat to individual rights, pluralism, and democratic values
Religious nationalism as divisive force
- Critics argue that religious nationalism is inherently divisive, as it seeks to promote the interests and identity of a particular religious community at the expense of others
- Religious nationalism may lead to the marginalization or persecution of religious minorities and may fuel sectarian conflict and violence
- Critics argue that religious nationalism undermines social cohesion and the ability of different religious communities to coexist peacefully
Religious nationalism as threat to pluralism
- Critics argue that religious nationalism poses a threat to pluralism and diversity, as it seeks to impose a particular religious worldview or set of values on society as a whole
- Religious nationalism may lead to the suppression of dissent, the restriction of individual freedoms, and the erosion of democratic institutions
- Critics argue that religious nationalism is incompatible with the values of tolerance, mutual respect, and individual autonomy that are essential for a pluralistic society
Future of religious nationalism
- The future of religious nationalism is uncertain and will likely be shaped by a variety of factors, including globalization, demographic changes, and political developments
- Some argue that religious nationalism is likely to decline in the face of increasing secularization and the spread of liberal democratic values
- Others argue that religious nationalism is likely to remain a powerful force, particularly in contexts where there are deep-seated religious and cultural divisions
Impact of globalization on religious nationalism
- Globalization may have a complex and contradictory impact on religious nationalism
- On the one hand, globalization may lead to the spread of secular values and the erosion of traditional religious identities and practices
- On the other hand, globalization may also lead to the reassertion of religious identities as a form of resistance to perceived cultural and economic threats
- The impact of globalization on religious nationalism is likely to vary depending on the specific context and the nature of the religious tradition in question
Prospects for religious nationalism in 21st century
- The prospects for religious nationalism in the 21st century are uncertain and will likely be shaped by a variety of factors, including demographic changes, political developments, and the impact of new technologies
- Some argue that religious nationalism is likely to decline as younger generations become more secular and more accepting of diversity and pluralism
- Others argue that religious nationalism is likely to remain a powerful force, particularly in contexts where there are deep-seated religious and cultural divisions or where religious identities are seen as being under threat
- The future of religious nationalism will likely depend on the ability of different religious communities to find ways to coexist peacefully and to promote mutual understanding and respect
Key Terms to Review (28)
Akhand Bharat: Akhand Bharat is a concept advocating for a unified India, encompassing the territories of present-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and sometimes Nepal and Afghanistan, as a single nation. This idea is often linked with religious nationalism, as it emphasizes cultural and historical connections among these regions that are primarily rooted in Hindu identity and heritage.
Amit Shah: Amit Shah is an influential Indian politician, currently serving as the Home Minister of India and a key leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He is known for his role in promoting Hindu nationalism and policies that reflect the ideologies of religious nationalism in India, aligning closely with the party's agenda to assert Hindu identity in a multi-religious society.
Ayatollah's revolution: The ayatollah's revolution refers to the Iranian Revolution of 1979, led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, which resulted in the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy and the establishment of an Islamic republic. This revolution was significant for its blending of religious authority and political power, where Khomeini’s interpretation of Shia Islam became the foundation of the new government, marking a pivotal moment in the rise of religious nationalism in the region.
BJP Rise in India: The rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India refers to the party's transformation into a dominant political force, particularly since the late 1980s, characterized by its advocacy of Hindu nationalism and the promotion of a strong centralized government. This shift has been closely tied to the broader phenomenon of religious nationalism in India, where Hindu identity plays a central role in shaping political ideologies and electoral strategies.
Chechen separatist movement: The Chechen separatist movement is a political and military campaign aimed at achieving independence for Chechnya from the Russian Federation. This movement has roots in historical grievances and a desire for self-determination, often fueled by ethnic identity and religious nationalism among the Chechen people.
Church-state separation: Church-state separation refers to the principle that government and religious institutions should remain independent and not interfere in each other's affairs. This concept is crucial in promoting religious freedom, ensuring that no religion is favored or discriminated against by the state, and allowing individuals to practice their faith without government intrusion. It plays a significant role in shaping policies around religious nationalism, influencing how religious identity intersects with national identity and governance.
Communal violence: Communal violence refers to violent conflicts between different social or ethnic groups, often fueled by deep-seated tensions and grievances. This type of violence frequently emerges from competition over resources, political power, or cultural dominance, and is especially prevalent in contexts where religious nationalism is a significant factor, as it can exacerbate existing divides and lead to brutal confrontations.
Coptic Christians in Egypt: Coptic Christians are members of the Coptic Orthodox Church, which is one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world, originating in Egypt. They represent a significant minority within Egypt's predominantly Muslim population and have a distinct religious identity, language, and cultural heritage. The dynamics of their existence often intersect with issues of religious nationalism, particularly in relation to their rights and social standing within an Islamic state.
Eretz yisrael: Eretz Yisrael, meaning 'the Land of Israel' in Hebrew, refers to the geographical and historical region that is considered the Jewish homeland. It carries profound religious, cultural, and national significance for Jewish people, representing not only a physical space but also a spiritual aspiration that connects them to their heritage and identity.
Ethnonationalism: Ethnonationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular ethnic group, often advocating for the establishment or preservation of a nation-state based on shared ethnicity. This ideology often fuels movements for self-determination and independence, reflecting deep-seated cultural identities and histories. Ethnonationalism can lead to demands for political autonomy or statehood for stateless nations, fuel separatist movements, and shape the dynamics of devolution and federalism, while intertwining with religious identities in contexts of religious nationalism.
Hindu nationalism: Hindu nationalism is a political ideology that seeks to define Indian culture in terms of Hindu values and promote the interests of Hindus within the Indian state. It emphasizes the idea that India is fundamentally a Hindu nation, which often involves a push against secularism and the accommodation of religious minorities. This ideology plays a significant role in shaping contemporary political dynamics in India, particularly through organizations and political parties that advocate for Hindu identity and unity.
Identity politics: Identity politics refers to political stances and movements that are based on the interests and perspectives of social groups defined by specific characteristics, such as race, gender, sexuality, or religion. This concept emphasizes the importance of group identity in shaping political beliefs and behavior, often leading to advocacy for the rights and recognition of marginalized communities. It plays a significant role in understanding how individuals engage with political systems and influences the dynamics within diverse societies.
India: India is a large, diverse country located in South Asia, known for its complex cultural, ethnic, and linguistic landscape. It is home to a significant population of over a billion people and encompasses various religions, traditions, and social groups, making it a prime example of a multinational state. India's rich history of colonialism, independence, and democratic governance has shaped its current political dynamics and has led to ongoing discussions about national identity and religious nationalism.
Iran: Iran is a country in Western Asia known for its rich cultural heritage and significant geopolitical influence, especially in the context of religious nationalism. This Islamic Republic, established after the 1979 revolution, has adopted a political system that intertwines Islamic governance with national identity, reflecting the importance of Shiite Islam as a unifying force for the state and its policies. Religious nationalism in Iran has been pivotal in shaping both domestic politics and international relations.
Islamic Nationalism: Islamic nationalism is a political ideology that combines Islamic principles with national identity, advocating for the establishment of a nation-state based on Islamic values and laws. It seeks to unify Muslims under a common national identity while emphasizing the importance of Islam as the guiding force in governance and society, often reacting against colonialism or Western influence.
Khomeini: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was a prominent Iranian religious leader and politician who led the Iranian Revolution in 1979, overthrowing the Shah of Iran and establishing the Islamic Republic. His ideology combined Islamic fundamentalism with political governance, emphasizing the role of religion in state affairs and marking a significant moment in the rise of religious nationalism in the modern era.
Militant nationalism: Militant nationalism is an intense form of nationalism that advocates for the use of force and aggressive action to achieve national objectives and assert dominance. This ideology often intertwines with a strong sense of identity, where individuals believe in the superiority of their nation and are willing to engage in violent or extreme measures to defend or promote their national interests. It often manifests in contexts where religious, ethnic, or cultural identities are under threat, leading to conflicts that can have both domestic and international implications.
Moro Islamic Liberation Front: The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is a rebel group in the Philippines that seeks to establish an independent Islamic state in the Mindanao region. It has been a key player in the struggle for Moro self-determination, advocating for the rights of the Muslim population against perceived oppression and marginalization by the central government. The MILF's activities and objectives illustrate the intersection of religious nationalism and ethnic identity, as it aims to create a homeland for the Moro people grounded in Islamic principles.
Muslim Brotherhood: The Muslim Brotherhood is a transnational Islamic organization founded in Egypt in 1928 that aims to promote Islamic governance and social justice through a revival of Islamic values. It seeks to establish a society governed by Islamic law (Sharia) and has played a significant role in the rise of religious nationalism, advocating for political participation and social reform based on Islamic principles.
Polarization: Polarization refers to the growing divide in attitudes, beliefs, or values among individuals or groups, often resulting in extreme viewpoints and reduced willingness to engage with opposing perspectives. This phenomenon can lead to a fragmented social environment, making consensus-building and constructive dialogue increasingly difficult.
Political theology: Political theology refers to the study of the relationship between religious beliefs and political authority, exploring how religious ideas influence political structures and ideologies. It examines the ways in which faith-based perspectives inform governance, law, and public life, often emphasizing the role of divine authority in legitimizing political power. This concept is crucial in understanding how religious nationalism can shape identities and mobilize populations around a shared belief system.
Religious fundamentalism: Religious fundamentalism is a strict adherence to specific theological doctrines typically in reaction to modernist influences, emphasizing a return to foundational beliefs and practices of a faith. This movement often arises in response to perceived threats from secularization or external cultural influences and seeks to promote a more literal interpretation of sacred texts. It can lead to the formation of movements that advocate for the integration of religion into political spheres and the establishment of governance based on religious laws.
Religious nationalism: Religious nationalism is a political ideology that seeks to promote the interests and values of a particular religion within the framework of national identity and state governance. It often intertwines religious beliefs with national pride, leading to a sense of belonging and unity among followers, while simultaneously fostering exclusionary attitudes towards other religions or ethnic groups. This phenomenon can manifest in various ways, including the establishment of laws based on religious principles and movements that advocate for the political rights of a specific religious community.
Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar: Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar refer to a distinct ethnic group, primarily residing in the Rakhine State, who practice Islam and face severe persecution and discrimination from the Myanmar government and Buddhist majority. This group has been the subject of violent conflict, ethnic cleansing, and mass displacement, highlighting issues of religious nationalism, national identity, and human rights abuses within the region.
Secular Nationalism: Secular nationalism is a political ideology that promotes the separation of religion from state affairs and emphasizes national identity over religious affiliations. It seeks to create a civic national identity that is inclusive of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs, fostering a sense of unity and common purpose within a nation-state. This approach often arises in contexts where multiple religious groups coexist, aiming to prevent sectarian conflict and ensure equal rights for all citizens.
Sikh Separatist Movement: The Sikh Separatist Movement refers to a political and social movement seeking to create an independent Sikh state called Khalistan in the Punjab region of India. This movement emerged in the 1980s and is rooted in the desire for greater autonomy, recognition of Sikh identity, and opposition to perceived discrimination against Sikhs by the Indian government.
Taliban Rule: Taliban rule refers to the governance system established by the Taliban, an Islamic fundamentalist group, in Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 and then again after their resurgence in 2021. This regime is characterized by strict interpretations of Islamic law and a significant emphasis on religious nationalism, which shaped not only domestic policies but also the country’s international relations and social structure.
Theocracy: Theocracy is a form of government in which a religious leader or leaders hold political power, and the state's legal system is based on religious law. In a theocratic system, religious doctrine is often integrated into the governance, leading to laws and policies that reflect the beliefs of the dominant religion. This can lead to a fusion of state and church, creating an environment where religious authority dictates political decisions.