The Splendid Idolatry of Nationalism
DOI : 10.32575/ppb.2021.2.1
MTMT : 32511361
Date : 2021
Journal title : Pro Publico Bono
Journal volume : 9
Journal issue number : 2
Pages : 4-25
Document type : folyóiratcikk
Subject : disenchantment, Émile Durkheim, idolatry, nationalism, religion, secularisation, Max Weber, Társadalomtudományok, Állam- és jogtudományok
Abstract :
This article addresses the question ‘Do we live in a secular, disenchanted world devoid of gods, or do we live in a world populated by new gods?’ Some cite Max Weber in assuming that disenchantment is a fact. Others cite Émile Durkheim who points to ongoing forms of enchantment and the development of new religious forms to take the place of Christianity. In this article I use the case of nationalism to examine this question. I analyse two arguments, one that sides with Weber, the other with Durkheim. I not only side with Durkheim, but argue that Weber sides with Durkheim, too. I then go beyond Durkheim, and argue, from a Christian theological point of view, that nationalism is not only a religion, but an idolatrous one at that.
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