ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that “the religious factor,” to borrow Gerhard Lenski’s phrase, while certainly not the most important variable, has contributed to nationalism particularly during the early phases in the life-cycle of nationalist movements. It suggests that religion continues to interact with contemporary nationalism in less direct but none the less significant ways. In an attempt to clarify some of the theoretical issues the first part of the chapter will consider some of the traditional ways in which the relationship between religion and nationalism is posed. A brief survey of the historical background of Quebec, Wales, and Scotland is instructive because it suggests, contrary to the traditional interpretation, that religion has been instrumental in ensuring the continuity of the national cultures from which contemporary nationalist movements draw. The historical summary of the relationship between religion and nationalism in Quebec, Wales and Scotland is intended as illustrative rather than exhaustive.
