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More About This Title The Crucified Nation
- English
English
- English
English
- English
English
“Davies examines five case studies of modern nationalisms that have incorporated Christ-like motifs, portraying the nation as crucified by evil powers because of its innocence and virtue. The case studies discuss the nationalist rhetoric of the crucified nation as it arose in Poland following its partition, Germany during its invasion by Napoleonic France, France during Prussian invasion, Ireland under British occupation, and Palestine under Israeli occupation. While not denying the reality of victimization that gave rise to the nationalist narratives of crucifixion, Davies warns against the inevitable distortions that arise from investing nationalism with a religious essence.” —Reference & Research Book News
“Davies has written a very good little book on religion and nationalism. The author uses the suffering of Jesus Christ as a motif to examine the development of nationalism in Poland, France, Germany, Ireland, and Palestine. The type of nationalism described could be called Ecce homo nationalism because it is the suffering of an ‘innocent’ nation that is used to evoke nationalist feeling. The author’s mastery of poetry, journalism, and other common genres of nationalist imagery is very rich. He not only gives a historical overview of each country but looks to current dangers as well. The examination of nationalist use of religious imagery is well documented. The chapter on the poetry of both Christian and Muslim Palestinian nationalists invoking the Passion of Christ is very powerful. The author replies powerfully to those who argue that there is not a Palestinian nation. Great reading for upper-division students (and above) in political science, religion, history, sociology, and military affairs. Recommended.” —Choice