Migrations Of The Holy God State And The Political Meaning Of The Church

Cavanaugh explores the idea that religious fervor has not disappeared but has instead migrated from the church to the nation-state. Cavanaugh argues that the modern transfer of sacred devotion from the church to the nation-state has led to a form of idolatry where the state becomes the object of worship, replacing the church as the source of hope, comfort, and salvation. He cautions against a rigid separation of religion and politics that confines the church and directs citizens to the state for their spiritual needs. Cavanaugh's work suggests that when nationality becomes the primary source of identity and belonging, the state becomes the god and idol of its own religion, with the language of nationalism functioning as a liturgy. This leads to a situation where devotees are willing to sacrifice their lives to serve and defend their country. He urges Christians to resist this form of idolatry, to question the inevitability of the nation-state, and to embrace political pluralism that prioritizes local communities.