The Bible, Christianity, Ethnic Identity, and Nationhood by Hughes (2012)

Hughes, D. (2012). The Bible, Christianity, ethnic identity, and nationhood. Ethnic identity from the margins: A Christian perspective. Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library.

Hughes presented how ethnicity and ethnic identity, even for those who are marginalized ethnicities, are made ‘concrete’ alongside Christianity and the message of the Bible.

            This chapter provides an overview of the early works in the translation of the Bible, which dates back to the second century BC (pp. 59-60). A focus is then shifted to the formation of the English identity and the place of the Bible in it until it reached ‘nationhood’. Hughes goes on to say, “Christianity in general and the Bible in particular made a vital contribution to the shaping and stabilizing of English identity” (p. 63). In Wales, Hughes argues that ethnic identity can take its shape through ‘nonconformity’ and could weaken through assimilation (p. 74; see the cases on pp. 78-84). For this matter, contributions of Griffith Jones of Llanddowror, Thomas Charles and Mary Jones were given emphases. For a growing state like England expansion not just with trade but also with influence is expected. This gave rise to the period of English Christian mission, as well. Even though imperial authority and imperialistic purpose primarily propelled the missionary works, many missionaries began translating the Bible in the heart languages of Tsonga, Baganda, and Yoruba.

In effect, Hughes highlighted a warning that when theories of “progress” concern themselves with production, democratization, and with “better material circumstances”, “more nonmaterial cultural values could be sacrificed on the altar of this new god” (p.74). This statement deeply leaves an imprint to modern thought on ethnicity and language. It embodies the struggles and successes of the marginalized ethnicities in this chapter.