Many studies of contemporary religion in South Eastern Europe
link resurgent nationalism to the revival of religion, arguing that nationalism
is grounded in religion and has taken over many former religious symbols,
beliefs and rituals. This argument is a key feature of social science studies
of religion in the region. In cases from the former Yugoslavia, focus on this
type of connection between religion and nationalism has prevented a more
nuanced description of the religious transformation of communities after the
fall of communism. This article will discuss the pitfalls of such a simplification
and how it is possible to nuance the study of religion in the South Eastern
European context. This will be done through a critical review of studies of
religion in Montenegro and an examination of the local badnjak Christmas
ritual. This article aims to craft a revised analytical strategy the nuances the
connection between religion and nationalism but also acknowledges religion
as its own system.