Dear Editor,
The importance of ‘nation’ as a concept is sometimes referred to in the EU debate but often, I feel, confusing it with our modern idea of the 'nation state'. The thought-provoking article 'What is a Nation' in April's en mentions this problem.
Thinking about it, even in the context of the brutal Roman Empire, Jesus' concern for Israel as a nation didn't involve political independence. 'Nationhood' can flourish whatever the circumstances, including union with other nations – as in the UK.