Kneeler the prie-dieu prayer desk. Kneelers in churches are a modern development. Kneeling was not part of the Mass in early christianity, and has been part of the Catholic Mass only since the 16th century. Kneeler A kneeler is a cushion (also called a tuffet or hassock) or a piece of furniture used for resting in a kneeling position. In many churches, pews are equipped with kneelers in front of the seating bench so members of the congregation can kneel on them instead of the floor. In a few other situations, such as confessionals and areas in front of an altar,
What Is a Nation? What Is a Nation? "What is a Nation?" ("Qu'est-ce qu'une nation?") is an 1882 lecture by French historian Ernest Renan (1823–1892), known for the statements that a nation is "a daily referendum", and that nations are based as much on what the people jointly forget, as what they remember. It is frequently quoted or anthologized in works of history or political science pertaining to nationalism and national identity. Renan wrote "What is a Nation" in order to symbolize the nationalism which was born in France as a result of the French Revolution of 1789. Renan begins his essay by noting