The link between religion and nationalism

Religion is like nationalism. The loyalty to both is strong, deeply emotional and as a rule never critically examined. Generally any examination does not extend beyond, How can I demonstrate that my country/religion is clearly superior to its rivals?

Throughout much of history, to be without a tribe or a country was perilous. You were at the mercy of brigands and bandits and your prospects were dim. Natural selection would favor those with a deep loyalty to their strong man, their protector. Unreflective loyalty improved chances of survival and procreation.

The realm of the spirits seemed equally perilous. Even in the 19th century most children did not see their fifth birthday and mortality was high at all ages. Think of the great composers, with their relatively comfortable lives. Mozart died at 35. Schubert died at 31. Tchaikovsky died at 53. The earlier Bach lived to 65, surviving all his siblings, one wife and most of his children. If life was seen as harsh, the evaluation seems reasonable.

In this bleak environment, in trying to discern God’s ways with humanity, one might easily conclude that most incurred God’s wrath, either temporal or eternal, while a few might be spared. Loyalty to one’s savior God paralleled loyalty to one’s savior prince, for the same reason and calling upon the same genes. Following the precise formula that leads to salvation was crucial.

The revolutions of the 19th century (1776-1914) sought to establish that sovereignty resides not with the king but with the people. Kings were made subject to the law, abandoned or dispatched.

Where does that leave religion? America’s founders pointed out that “mankind is more inclined to suffer when grievances are sufferable than to right themselves.” If I don’t see the imprint of the cleric’s boot on my neck, I am unlikely to question the religious system to which I feel such strong emotional ties. It’s not that I have critically examined and freely believe everything my religion teaches. Instead I will muster all the power at my command in order to avoid such a painful and disloyal examination. My highest faculties so far have succeeded in defending my church against all the assaults of reason.

Many resist saying that Iranians or members of Al Qaida or residents of Darfur or the homeless share the same humanity that we do. We want our group, our nation, our tribe to be unquestionably better. The inclination is emotional, it’s irrational and it’s wrong. Similarly, attacks on religion often spark the loyalty reaction and shut down reason.

That said, I must acknowledge that some citizens and some believers have a global perspective. There’s no reason people of reason can’t work with such broad minded people to help build a better world.