EDITORIAL" " " "
Europe: crisis and role of Christianity
Europe has plunged into deep water as a consequence of the ongoing economic crisis. Cyprus is the most seriously hit, while dark clouds loom over other countries expected to resort to the European Financial Stability Mechanism (EFSM). The question on the future of the eurozone once more gained centre stage, along with European integration. Evidently, problems linger on, and no definitive solution to the ongoing difficulties has yet been found. Europe thus seems doomed to non-development for the two coming years. The risk of failure of significant European economies is just the tip of the iceberg: mounting menaces weigh upon Europe like a sword of Damocles. The cultural revolution of the end of the 1960s gave the kick off to a secularization process. The development of that process confined Christianity to the margins of social life, and marginalized traditional Christian Churches. Christian ethics has been replaced by secular ethics, which is more flexible and is distinguished by the adoption of new rights. It would be naïve to assume that the space occupied by Christianity is now empty. Christian values have been rapidly replaced by concepts that relativise traditional Christian anthropology. Contemporary Europe is experiencing a serious demographic crisis, a crisis in values and an economic crisis. For many years we have cultivated the illusion – often fuelled by hatred against Christianity – that the public realm, having been emptied of religious contributions, would lead individuals, Countries and humanity as a whole, to attain full progress in a few years’ time. Decades have passed, and Europeans’ cultural situation has seriously worsened. We’re facing an identity crisis, a loss in values, and an emptied and worn democracy. No valid replacement has filled the space left by Christianity. It appears that a large number of politicians view deeper integration as a trigger for recovery. Indeed, rigour coupled by stronger relations could help Europe continue acting as a strong global player. But the strength of Europe measured via economic indicators directly depends on the acceptance of values underlying the creation of renewed prosperity. The integration of European countries without the revitalization of the Christian system of values will live a short life, and will lead to the destruction of current democratic structures. By paradox the ongoing crisis could lead to the promotion of Christian Churches in the old continent. The recent election of cardinal Bergoglio to the papal see could significantly contribute to this process. Since the onset Pope Francis highlighted with concrete gestures the need for modesty and frugality in the administration of material goods. This is an unprecedented example in Europe. Decades of wellbeing have taught people to accumulate more and more material goods and aim at increasingly better living conditions. People in Europe have great expectations to this regard. The ideas of living standards are shaped by publicity and by consumerism. However, not only the pope but also many families encourage us to step up modesty and solidarity. It’s not a secret that the ongoing economic crisis is a threat on numerous families consisting of a single parent with children. Social networks are not enough. It is an open challenge not only for Christians but also for all men of good will. Given this state of affairs fingers are pointed at thousands of European citizens who transferred billions to tax heavens, regardless of the poor and resilient to solidarity. Two-speed Europe is already a fact. The eurozone still has to address momentous decisions due to impact Member States. Prosperity cannot be reinstated if it is void of ethical values, while it appears that consumerist mentality is so widespread in the old continent that efforts aimed at reviving Christian faith are insufficient. Churches in Europe are called to face a new challenge: to ensure that the new evangelization will help the new continent return to be a place for the promotion of culture, supported by the truth on man and by the respect of human dignity.
