Religion, Religious Tradition, and Nationalism: Jewish Revival in Poland and “Religious Heritage” in Québec

This study reveals how societies reactivate past religious traditions to address contemporary social transformations and advance political agendas, using the cases of Jewish revival in Poland and 'religious heritage' in Québec's Historic District of Old Québec. It introduces a distinction between religion and religious tradition to analyze how these elements are juxtaposed to articulate or fortify national identities while responding to challenges posed by pluralism. The research employs extensive fieldwork and sociological analysis, demonstrating that religion and tradition serve diverse goals—both religious and secular—and undergo transformation in the process. This approach offers a nuanced understanding of the interplay between religion, politics, and societal change.

Zubrzycki, G. (2012). Religion, Religious Tradition, and Nationalism: Jewish Revival in Poland and “Religious Heritage” in Québec. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 51(3), 442–455. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-5906.2012.01666.x