Relations between modernism and religion involve more than secularization and the separation of church and state. For one thing, the abstract concept of ‘religion’ as a universal category is a product of modernism. Religion has been categorized as potentially divisive, requiring tolerance, and as marginal to the modern nation-state. This has diverted attention from the increased danger of rational destruction caused by secularization. In addition, the modern state is often identified with particular national majorities, accommodating the majority religion more readily than those of minorities.
