Published: 2022-12-28

Open patriotism as a consequence of dynamic religion

Wolfgang Palaver
Christianity-World-Politics
Section: Miscellanea
https://doi.org/10.21697/CSP.2022.26.1.08

Abstract

Despite the appearance of a cosmopolitan worldview after World War II, the problem of building a community and identity, as well as the vitality of the nation-state remained valid. In the article, the author reflects on the role of religion in creating an open patriotism, i.e. one that is free from the limitations associated with nationalist views. Reaching, among others, Henri Bergson, the author distinguishes between static and dynamic religion, stating, following the same philosopher, that the climax of dynamic one is visible in the Gospel, especially in the Sermon on the Mount. Supporters of this approach are also easy to find outside of the Christianity (e.g. Buber, Gandhi, or Muslim Iqbal). Bergson's distinction had an impact on the initiation by, i.e. Jacques Maritain, the so-called brotherly modern views in Catholicism, which now have a significant influence on the teachings of the Church, also in the context of distinguishing between nationalism and patriotism. Open patriotism, unlike its nationalist variety, does not preclude intra-social pluralism or impose ethnic or religious unity. He was close to Schuman, John Paul II or Franciszek. The author notes that seeking a connection between locality and global solidarity is the task of religious communities in the modern world.

Keywords:

Maritain, Bergson, dynamic religion, patriotism, nationalism, cosmopolitanism

Citation rules

Palaver, W. (2022). Open patriotism as a consequence of dynamic religion. Christianity-World-Politics, (26), 219–235. https://doi.org/10.21697/CSP.2022.26.1.08

Cited by / Share


This website uses cookies for proper operation, in order to use the portal fully you must accept cookies.