Les “modernistes”, Loisy et la Grande Guerre. Les études et les résultats d’une recherche

This essay outlines the most significant outcomes of studies on the interpretations of the Great War by intellectuals who were defined as modernists” in the early Twentieth century, first by the Holy See and then more widely. It devotes particular attention to Alfred Loisy. It also intends to focus on the positions of these intellectuals with respect to the traditional Catholic doctrine of just war and nationalism. Finally, it provides a brief account of the articles of the monographic section of the present issue of «Modernism», stressing how such papers deepen in many directions a datum already highlighted by historiography: that is, the widespread support given by modernists to their own countries’ war effort. The authors who place Loisy at the centre of their investigation not only re-read and develop some questions that have emerged in previous studies (from the religion of humanity to his judgement on the pontiff) but also approach new issues such as the influence exerted by his cultural formation (including anti-Jewish stereotypes) and by his patriotism on his work as an exegete. The dossier brings out different readings of the “Loisy case” in its relationship with the war: an indication that even on the latter, if much has already been written, there is still much to understand.