Christianity—the Soul of Europe Inspired by Joseph Ratzinger

Abstract

Europe has a Christian soul. The values, customs, and institutions of the social life of the European nations crystallized under the animating influence of Christ’s gospel. One can speak of the inalienability of Christianity on the Old Continent. There is an inextricable bond between Europe and Christianity. Following Joseph Ratzinger, the article presents European values and ideas growing out of the Christian heritage: the humanism of the Incarnation, the primacy of spiritual values, the subordination of law and democracy to eunomy, a rational approach to reality, the dignity of conscience and recognition of its rights, the culture of love of neighbor and social justice, the idea of fraternity, and religious-political dualism in the relationship between the state and the Church. Maintaining Europe’s Christian identity is therefore a task for Christians and all those who want its characteristic ideas and institutions to survive.

Keywords

• europe
• christianity
• church
• joseph ratzinger
• values
• culture