Benedict XVI's manifesto on Europe
The edition of First Things magazine for last January features Pope Benedict XVI's all inspiring piece "Europe and its Discontents", which as the title suggests puts forth the current Pope's views concerning Europe's identity and its hopeful destiny.
Benedict begins by growing through a basic history of the concept of Europe, from its traditional foundation within Greco-Roman civilization, to the Carolingian Empire of the early Medieval period, to the renaissance, to the age of colonialism, all through to the present day.
When dealing with Europe's current situation, old Benedict is far from impressed and laments the many problems that plague the continent. Although on the surface Europe appears to be at its "finest hour", yet Benedict knows full well that in reality its soul is "hollow". The collapse of Europe's spiritual strength has lead to the possible eventual collapse of its traditional ethnic heritages, upon which European civilization(and even spirituality) was built.
However, Benedict cautions against falling into Spenglerian pessimism which dictates that the final collapse of Europe is inevitable and nothing can be done to save it. In response, Benedict throws his support behind Toynbee's concept that a civilization will only collapse when it stops believing in itself; and what is often needed in such times of crisis are "creative minorities" to help give that civilization a new sense of vitality. Applying Toynbee's concept to his message, Benedict is calling for us Christians to be that "creative minority" to help resurrect Europe from its possible doom.
I have already commented on Benedict XVI's views concerning Europe before on this blog, but I would like to once again bring attention to this aspect of the world-view of our current Holy Father.
As a Christian who is of European descent and proud of my heritage, I just can't help but be amazed at the fact that we have a Pope who shares my grave concerns for the survival of Christendom's heartland. Especially when the European heritage is attacked at an unprecedented rate.
God bless you Benedict XVI!
Benedict begins by growing through a basic history of the concept of Europe, from its traditional foundation within Greco-Roman civilization, to the Carolingian Empire of the early Medieval period, to the renaissance, to the age of colonialism, all through to the present day.
When dealing with Europe's current situation, old Benedict is far from impressed and laments the many problems that plague the continent. Although on the surface Europe appears to be at its "finest hour", yet Benedict knows full well that in reality its soul is "hollow". The collapse of Europe's spiritual strength has lead to the possible eventual collapse of its traditional ethnic heritages, upon which European civilization(and even spirituality) was built.
However, Benedict cautions against falling into Spenglerian pessimism which dictates that the final collapse of Europe is inevitable and nothing can be done to save it. In response, Benedict throws his support behind Toynbee's concept that a civilization will only collapse when it stops believing in itself; and what is often needed in such times of crisis are "creative minorities" to help give that civilization a new sense of vitality. Applying Toynbee's concept to his message, Benedict is calling for us Christians to be that "creative minority" to help resurrect Europe from its possible doom.
I have already commented on Benedict XVI's views concerning Europe before on this blog, but I would like to once again bring attention to this aspect of the world-view of our current Holy Father.
As a Christian who is of European descent and proud of my heritage, I just can't help but be amazed at the fact that we have a Pope who shares my grave concerns for the survival of Christendom's heartland. Especially when the European heritage is attacked at an unprecedented rate.
God bless you Benedict XVI!
posted by Perun at
6:20 PM
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