Jacques Marx, The Sin of France: Supernatural and Politics in the 19th Century
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Jacques Marx, Le P茅ch茅 de la France. Surnaturel et politique au xixe si猫cle
The journal 鈥淎rchives of Social Sciences of Religions鈥� publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (鈥淚nstitut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales鈥�)
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Subtitle: Bruxelles, Espace de libert茅s, coll. 芦 La茂cit茅 禄, 2005, 441 p.
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Jacques Ma卯tre
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly鈥�)
Full text available for: Jacques Marx, Le P茅ch茅 de la France. Surnaturel et politique au xixe si猫cle
Year: 2005 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.3197
Copyright (license): 漏 Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Jacques Marx's book, "Le P茅ch茅 de la France: Surnaturel et politique au xixe si猫cle" explores the intersection of political and spiritual domains in 19th century France. By analyzing how political actors viewed their struggles as a spiritual battleground, Marx delves into the influence of religious beliefs and supernatural elements on the political landscape of the time. He positions the execution of Louis XVI as a pivotal event symbolizing France's fundamental sin, while the construction of the Basilica of Sacr茅-C艙ur serves as a redemptive response that frames the historical context of this relationship between religion and politics.
The Symbiosis of Throne and Altar
A significant concept in Marx's work is the symbiosis between the monarchy and the Catholic Church, which he describes as central to understanding French political ideology during this period. This relationship dates back to the execution of Louis XVI in 1793, which is portrayed as France's original sin, contrasting sharply with the later erection of the Basilica of Sacr茅-C艙ur, which represents an attempt at national repentance. The dualism of divine retribution and fervent religious belief informed not only the backing for colonial expansion but also provided a justification for various failed attempts to restore a Catholic monarchy. In the later phases, particularly during the First World War and the Vichy regime, religious symbolism was revived as political leaders sought spiritual validation through Catholic imagery to reassure and mobilize the population during times of national crisis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Marx's work sheds light on how deeply intertwined political and spiritual ideologies shaped the historical narrative of 19th century France. While he meticulously outlines the complexities of this relationship, he stops short of applying contemporary assessments on the current state of French Catholicism. The shift in spirituality since that era towards a more nuanced understanding of God's nature, as exemplified by figures like Th茅r猫se de Lisieux, highlights a significant departure from the punitive divine justice that characterized earlier Catholic thought. Overall, Marx offers a compelling examination that elucidates the compelling yet complicated friction between the supernatural and political realms in French society during this transformative century.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of Jacques Marx's book?
Jacques Marx's book analyzes the intersection between political history and spirituality in 19th-century France, particularly how supernatural beliefs influenced political events and actions, emphasizing the significance of the relationship between the throne and the altar.
How does Marx link historical events to religious beliefs?
Marx explores key events like the execution of Louis XVI and the construction of the Sacred Heart Basilica, presenting them as pivotal moments influenced by a theologically driven political ideology that views France's destiny through a spiritual lens.
What transformations in French Catholic spirituality does the book discuss?
The book discusses the decline of the traditional themes of the Sacred Heart and state Catholicism, illustrating shifts in spiritual beliefs among Catholics towards a more personal approach to faith that departs from punitive divine justice.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for 鈥淛acques Marx, The Sin of France: Supernatural and Politics in the 19th Century鈥�. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Heart:
The concept of the Sacred Heart symbolizes a profound spiritual and religious dimension in the context of French Catholicism, where it mobilizes faith and pious practices, often associated with collective actions and beliefs that shape the moral compass of the community.
2) Politics:
The book illustrates how politics in 19th-century France was interwoven with supernatural beliefs, demonstrating a unique relationship where political events were interpreted through a spiritual lens, suggesting that the political realm was a battlefield influenced by religious ideologies.
3) Theology:
The link between theology and the political landscape is critically examined, showcasing how ideologies rooted in theological principles spurred movements within France, driving people to align political actions with religious convictions to justify their leaders and historical narratives.
4) Spiritual:
Spirituality emerges as a vital theme in the book, emphasizing how the spiritual beliefs of various groups affected their political engagement and identity. This spirituality is marked by significant events and symbols that contribute to the community's collective consciousness.
5) Religion:
Religion serves as the backbone of the ideological framework presented in the book, demonstrating how Catholic doctrines not only influenced personal beliefs but also provided a structure for social action and political advocacy nurturing a community dedicated to its theological underpinnings.
6) Future:
The prospects for the future of the Catholic Church in France are hinted at through the historical lens of the book, exploring how past ideologies and spiritual practices inform contemporary faith expressions and engagements, potentially shaping future religious landscapes.
7) Book:
The book authored by Jacques Marx is pivotal in understanding the intertwining of supernatural beliefs with political history in France, offering a comprehensive analysis that encourages readers to reflect on the significant role of spirituality in shaping historical narratives.
8) Pilgrimage:
Pilgrimages, especially the royalist pilgrimages mentioned, represent acts of faith deeply rooted in religious practice, showcasing how spiritual journeys influenced the political realm and motivated collective actions aimed at restoring perceived rightful orders.
9) Liberation:
The concept of liberation is addressed in relation to the exhaustion of certain pious practices and movements, particularly highlighting how post-World War II sentiments contributed to a shift away from historical frameworks of political and spiritual domination.
10) Dimension:
The dimension of spirituality in the book illustrates how deeply held beliefs affect social dynamics and political allegiances; this interplay emphasizes the depth of commitment among individuals towards ideologies framed by supernatural considerations.
11) Monarchy:
Monarchy plays a central role in the political theology discussed in the book, representing a divine right that links the throne with religious authority, influencing how political legitimacy was justified by supernatural narratives.
12) Child (Children):
[see source text or glossary: Child]
13) Conquest:
Conquest in the historical context is linked to religious missions, demonstrating how colonial advancements were often framed in spiritual terms, which resulted in the glorification of these events as victories for the Catholic Church.
14) Triumph:
The triumphs of various religious movements, especially during times of national crises, reveal how notions of victory were often celebrated through spiritual symbols, reinforcing collective identities among the faithful in their political struggles.
15) Network:
The social network of influence within the Catholic community, outlined in the book, shows how these interconnected entities functioned to mobilize beliefs and actions, influencing both political decisions and public demonstrations.
16) Nature:
[see source text or glossary: Nature]
17) Throne:
The concept of the throne underscores the serious interplay between political authority and divine right, suggesting that legitimacy was often sought through rituals and beliefs associated with the monarchy and the Church.
18) Danger:
Danger is a recurring theme reflecting how times of national peril, such as during wars, often led to a resurgence of spiritual beliefs, invoking divine intervention as a means of seeking protection and stability.
19) King:
The figure of the king represents traditional power structures, and the book discusses how his divine right was tied to theological beliefs, reinforced by the narrative that France is God's favored child.
20) Flag:
The flag of the Sacred Heart is emblematic of spiritual dedication and national pride, marking spiritual and political campaigns that sought to intertwine national identity with religious observance.
21) Dawn:
The dawn of the Third Republic symbolizes a new beginning in the ongoing conflict between secular forces and religious ideologies, challenging established norms and introducing new dimensions in the relationship between the Church and the state.