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The dangers of religious nationalism: Lessons from Srebrenica
Author(s) -
Herzfeld Noreen
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
dialog
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.114
H-Index - 5
eISSN - 1540-6385
pISSN - 0012-2033
DOI - 10.1111/dial.12449
Subject(s) - serbian , nationalism , mythology , meaning (existential) , ethnic group , religious conflict , sociology , population , religious studies , religious controversies , law , political science , gender studies , theology , politics , linguistics , philosophy , epistemology , demography
Abstract What are the consequences of the politicization of religious myths and symbols for religious communities? The ethnic cleansing that culminated in the massacre of Srebrenica was promoted to the Serbian population, both in Serbia proper and in Bosnia, through the use of religious mythology and symbols. In Bosnia, religious language lost its meaning, religious observance remained low and it became difficult for religious leaders to join together to address community issues. We see a similar use of religious language and symbolism today in the U.S., particularly from evangelical leaders justifying the current president and his jingoistic actions. We can look to the conflict in Bosnia as a warning to the U.S. not to link religion and nationalism.