Decline of Christiany in Europe Essay -- Religion

Introduction The decline of Christianity in Europe did not happen spontaneously. It was a process which took place over many years. Further, it would be impossible to identify any one trigger for the decline. Numerous factors have combined to erode Christianity in Europe. Changing political parties, with varying tolerance towards Christianity, have been a major factor in the decline. In addition, new ideas about the ability and goodness of man to create a good society, without the need for God, served to undermine Christianity. Finally, the failure of the church to respond firmly to the crises of the modern world significantly accelerated its decline. While many of these factors have roots going back as far as the seventeenth century, many came to a head in the twentieth century. Political Parties In the nineteen hundreds, many European countries were being swept by changing political tides. This era saw the rise of socialism for many European countries. Some of these new governments discriminated against Christianity. Education and even some professions were closed to Christians. Some countries were harsher in their anti-Christian policies, and others merely neglected the church.1 The church was in a dangerous position; it was expected to comment on the political situation of Europe, but in grave danger if it did so.2 Furthermore, Christianity was generally seen as contrary to the ideology of these governments. At worse, Christianity was seen as a threat to Marxist ideals. At best, it was seen as silly superstition, an unnecessary crutch.3 While some Marxists respected Christianity and perhaps even learned from it, many felt that religion was primarily a tool of oppression which should be banished in the name of so... ...and Biography, July 18, 2003. http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/news/2003/jul18.html?start=2 (accessed February 1, 2012). Hindson, Ed, and Ergun Craner, eds. The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics. Eugene, OR.: Harvest House Publishers, 2008. Kannampilly, Vijaykumar. "Marxism and Christianity." Social Scientist 3, no. 3 (October, 1974): 57-63. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3516372 (accessed February 1, 2012). Pauck, Wilhelm. "National Socialism and Christianity: Can They Be Reconciled?" The Journal of Religion 20, no. 1 (January, 1940): 15-32. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1198646 (accessed February 1, 2012). Tolson, Jay. "European, Not Christian." U.S. News and World Report 138, no. 20 (May 30, 2005): 52-53. http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=mth&AN=17115426&site=ehost-live&scope=site (accessed February 1, 2012).