Seculiere religie? Bestudering van het gebruik van de joods-christelijke traditie binnen het Nederlandse parlement gedurende de Kabinetten Balkenende 2002-2010

Abstract

This thesis tests the analysis of historian Amanda Kluveld on the usage of the adjective ‘Judeo-Christian’ in 21st century politics. This thesis focusses on the usage of the adjective in Dutch parliament during the Balkenende cabinets (2002-2010), a period in which the adjective’s Dutch counterpart, ‘joods-christelijk’ was used extensively. The usage is categorized by using a matrix by Jan Ifversen on the conceptualization of identity within politics, a matrix by Paul Cliteur on the relation between religion and government and finally a matrix by Kluveld herself on the various ways in which ‘joods-christelijk’ is conceptualized. The categories are applied to usage of the adjective in transcripts of debates in both houses of the Dutch parliament, questions asked by parliamentarians and official communications from the cabinet to the parliament. The data that is gained by this categorization is analyzed, on both the patterns that emerge from its usage and a more in depth look at the conceptualization of the adjective and the topics with which it is associated. Based on these analyses this thesis concludes that, during this period, the term ‘joods-christelijk’ was mainly used by Christian parties to emphasize their own Christian identity. This thesis confirms Kluveld’s conclusion that ‘joods-christelijk’ is an empty term, but shows that usage of the term is more prominent among Christian parties, and not the far-right parties which are the focus of Kluveld’s analysis.