Religious Nationalism Essay

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Religious nationalism is defined as a nation that sponsors an official national church. Religious nationalism is different from nationalism in that a person identifies with their nation in nationalism. Nations with religious nationalism have a state religion and individuals identify with both. Oftentimes leaders use religious ideology to create loyalty which results in religious nationalism (Little 1). Turkey, Iran and Pakistan are three examples of countries with religious nationalism. These countries have similar conditions regarding state religion and conditions of society. This paper will discuss the different aspects of religious nationalism, the history, and the causes of religious nationalism. Lastly, the countries of Turkey, Iran and Pakistan will serve as examples of countries with religious nationalism. Religious nationalism is a growing aspect in today’s world and the religion of Islam encompasses a large number of religious nationalist countries.
Religion and nationalism are two important aspects when building a nation. Religion and nationalism can establish political legitimacy, and therefore become very important when trying to build a nation (Little 1). Throughout history leaders have used both religion and nationalism to establish nations and build loyalty. Religion and nationalism have been cited as motivating and persuasive when a country is building itself up or amid a crisis (Kinnvall 18). Religion and nationalism are important aspects and when combined they continue to be just as powerful. People identify with religion and nationalism. It creates a group mentality and bonds individuals. As Kinnvall states, “…the strength of nationalism and religion as powerful identity signifiers lies in their ability to con...

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...ives and negatives of religious nationalism. The examples of Turkey, Pakistan, and Iran showed why a country would incorporate religious nationalism and how a country can misuse the power of religion. Religion and nationalism are powerful sources of power and persuasion. When a country has a national religion, religion is going to affect many aspects of a country. Nationalism gives people pride in their country as well as bonding the people of a nation. Religious nationalism is a growing aspect in today’s world and the religion of Islam encompasses a large number of religious nationalist countries. We have yet to see religious nationalism enacted for many years, so there are questions that will remain unanswered. Therefore the historical significance of this concept is unknown. However, in the future more Muslim countries may begin to adopt religious nationalism.

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