Is Nationalism A Religion?

34 posts / 0 new
Last post
ZeffD's picture
TrustYS, post 23:

TrustYS, post 23:
“But is not worshiping country or god pretty much doing the same thing. Getting a high from being connected to a "higher power" and some how doing its will etc. even though you are just stroking your own ego.”

From Nyarlathotep’s link:
Nationalism is not to be confused with patriotism. Both words are normally used in so vague a way that any definition is liable to be challenged, but one must draw a distinction between them, since two different and even opposing ideas are involved. By ‘patriotism’ I mean devotion to a particular place and a particular way of life, which one believes to be the best in the world but has no wish to force on other people. Patriotism is of its nature defensive, both militarily and culturally. Nationalism, on the other hand, is inseparable from the desire for power. The abiding purpose of every nationalist is to secure more power and more prestige, not for himself but for the nation or other unit in which he has chosen to sink his own individuality….

I liked Nyarlathotep’s link but I think both that and TrustYS’s post 23 complicate the simple. It is a surer sign of intelligence or intellect to simplify the complex.

I identify Nationalism, religion and ideology as the three causes of human conflict. I cannot identify a modern conflict that doesn’t require one or all of those. There are other bases for tribalism, such as race, class and so forth but most people are only willing to fight for the three I emphasise.

English language has two words for nationalism/patriotism. I don’t know other languages so don’t know how significant that might be, but it is important to note English speakers (English speaking peoples) generally seem to use ‘patriotism’ about the positive and nationalism for what is negative. We could all write essays on the significance of that but Nyarlathotep’s link is as good as any.

I think TrustYS makes an error in trying to link religion and nationalism/patriotism. Better to keep them distinct and acknowledge any parallels only when necessary or to illustrate something helpful. Using the word “worship” about nationalism clarifies nothing as I have never heard of anyone proven to worship a nation (not even the Japanese) nor anyone who sees themselves as doing so. It seems much more true to say religion and nationalism (&/or ideology) form the bases for hostile tribes.

That is how I see nationalism, patriotism, religion and ideology - three distinct bases for tribalism. Tribalism can be used productively sometimes but all should be aware of it as a behaviour.

ZeffD's picture
Nyarlathotep, origin:https:/

Nyarlathotep, origin:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyarlathotep

I would add that the most important tribe is humanity and it should always come first. We need to think primarily in terms of Spaceship Earth and Humanity. The tribes should become subordinate loyalties.

Cognostic's picture
I gotta go with YES. Nations

I gotta go with YES. Nations are in fact fictitious with imaginary boundaries just like religions. We have our social norms, languages, and other rituals that are created by tradition, conquest, and culture norms, no different than religion, We are willing to kill for our beliefs, no different than religion.

The human being is a creature that makes symbols and then believes those symbols to be true and real. Plato demonstrated this with his cave analogy. But what would the world look like without belief systems? Would we have one large system of "Group Think?"

What if we were all Muslim or Christian and all agreed on the same thing. Of course we would be killed if we disagreed. We would have complete agreement and peace or .... death of course. How is that different from everyone being American? We all believe we are free as the police feed on us by writing citations for crossing a street in the wrong place or saying the wrong thing in public. Our jails will be full but we are all good Americans who follow the rules and worship the country or sent away to Jail where we are legal slaves, or of course death when we refuse to cooperate with the State.

I don't see an actual difference in the extreme case. Lucky for us neither being an American or Being a Christian is being practiced in the extreme YET.

Pages

Donating = Loving

Heart Icon

Bringing you atheist articles and building active godless communities takes hundreds of hours and resources each month. If you find any joy or stimulation at Atheist Republic, please consider becoming a Supporting Member with a recurring monthly donation of your choosing, between a cup of tea and a good dinner.

Or make a one-time donation in any amount.