Catholic coercion of the EU

[David Ben-Ariel]

Europe's State Religion


Some things never change.

By Wik Heerma
Historically, political and social upheaval has tended to yield new thinking as to how society should be organized. This was the case leading up to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. Debate about religious reforms led to foundational liberties being recorded in the laws of many Western European nations.
____During recent bickering over the proposed European Union constitution, we again saw a debate about the role of religion. Few realize this debate is intent on undoing 400 years of religious freedoms and civil liberties—returning Europe into a dark age.
____The issues surrounding the mention of religion in the constitution have evoked much emotional response from leaders in Europe. In November, almost two dozen influential Europeans, including former statesmen and Nobel Prize winners, urged the EU not to ignore the Continent’s Christian roots in drafting its new constitution. “The question of religion is central because Christianity is at the root of the fundamental notion of the person in Europe,” they declared in a statement printed in Le Monde (Reuters World Report, Nov. 13, 2003).
____The most authoritarian and vocal objections however, have come from Europe’s most prominent statesman, Pope John Paul II.
____On November 7, the pope appealed to the drafters of the European constitution: “A society forgetful of its past is exposed to the risk of not being able to deal with its present and—worse yet—of becoming the victim of its future” (Associated Press, Nov. 7).
____Why all this debate over religion in the context of drafting a political document? What are the real intentions? Are we seeing a push for a state religion in Europe—as has been the case throughout the Continent’s long history?

For the rest of the story:
http://www.thetrumpet.com/geo/na/docs/issues/200401/state-religion.asp

 

[quartodeciman]

Everything since the French revolution, the industrial revolution and various other attempted social revolutions in Europe, followed by the deadly events of the twentieth century, lead one to expect that Europeans are almost totally tired of religious hegemony. Religion in Europe has become a matter of ethnicism entirely. I can't imagine many Europeans seriously contemplating a restoration of catholic domination, or any other.

US Americans, on the contrary, seem to continue to still grow a dream of domination by christian principles, as a groundswell. Americans had a rather short period of religious domination in their history, followed by a longer history of multiplicity and balance. But it doesn't add up to the exhaustion that represents European memory.

US America and Canada seem to be the homebase for christian theonomy, dominicalism and reconstruction, all accelerated by adherence to old-fashioned calvinist protestantism. This movement considers it to be christian duty to convert the laws of the land to conform to biblical law from both testaments. It furthurmore sees a christian duty in securing the election of sanctified leaders and forcing the remaining populace into conformity to God's laws in preparation for a prophecized postmillenial return of Jesus Christ as Lord of the world. Of course, this movement still numbers as a minority, but it threatens to kick the groundswell of evangelical and fundamental christian political involvement into a second and third gear. Matters should get very interesting with the concurrent hispanization of the US, with its ethnic-based religious character.

 

[R0man]

The issue of Catholic coercion in the European Union is a complex and controversial one. On one hand, it is important to recognize the historical role that Christianity, specifically Catholicism, has played in shaping European society and values. On the other hand, the idea of a state religion and any attempts to impose it on a diverse and secular population raises concerns about religious freedom and civil liberties.

It is true that the debate over religion in the EU constitution has evoked strong emotions and polarizing opinions. However, it is important to approach this issue with a balanced and rational perspective. The statement from the group of influential Europeans, including former statesmen and Nobel Prize winners, highlights the importance of acknowledging Europe's Christian roots in shaping its values and identity. This does not necessarily mean that there is a push for a state religion, but rather a recognition of the historical and cultural influence of Christianity in Europe.

On the other hand, the views of Pope John Paul II and the Catholic Church on this matter raise valid concerns about the potential for coercion and the erosion of religious freedom. The pope's appeal to not forget Europe's past and to avoid becoming a victim of its future can be interpreted as a call for a return to a more dominant role for Catholicism in European society.

However, it is important to remember that the European Union is a diverse and secular entity, with citizens of various religious and non-religious beliefs. Any attempts to impose a specific religion or religious values on the entire EU population would go against the principles of religious freedom and equality that are fundamental to a democratic society.

In conclusion, while it is important to recognize and respect the historical and cultural influence of Christianity in Europe, it is equally important to uphold the principles of religious freedom and avoid any form of coercion or imposition of a state religion. The EU should continue to promote diversity and tolerance, and ensure that all citizens have the right to practice their own beliefs without fear of discrimination or persecution.