Wednesday, February 23, 2005
European Christianity
Josh Clayborn of In the Agora had a great post yesterday on the state of European Christianity. (HT: SmartChristian)
I have always thought that the church/state separation so often discussed is a two way street, that is to protect the church from government as much as the other way around. Look at the result, Christianity has flourished in America. Could it be that such was the founding fathers intent, instead of the other way around? I would argue in the affirmative on that assertion. A minimalist government such as what ours was designed to be, will have limited authority. Among those limitations is moral authority, that should rightfully come from the church. A society cannot function without moral authority, thus they intended religion to flourish, just to flourish alongside government instead of as a part of it.
As the Enlightenment took hold of Europe, the American counterparts interpreted it in a much different light. Grace Davie, an expert on religion at Exeter University in England, offered this explanation: In Europe, "the Enlightenment was seen as freedom from religion ... getting away from dogma, whereas in the [US] it meant freedom to believe."What an amazing insight. Makes you marvel at the wisdom of America's founding fathers.
I have always thought that the church/state separation so often discussed is a two way street, that is to protect the church from government as much as the other way around. Look at the result, Christianity has flourished in America. Could it be that such was the founding fathers intent, instead of the other way around? I would argue in the affirmative on that assertion. A minimalist government such as what ours was designed to be, will have limited authority. Among those limitations is moral authority, that should rightfully come from the church. A society cannot function without moral authority, thus they intended religion to flourish, just to flourish alongside government instead of as a part of it.
When historians go to record human history over the last century, the rise and fall of communism and the expansion of American and capitalistic ideals may well be the dominant theme. But the explosion of Christianity in developing countries, and the simultaneous decline in Europe, is one fact that deserves a prominent place in the record.Josh goes on to develop that quote into a discussion of economic development and its coupling to Christianity. I just think it speaks to the fact that the Holy Spirit isn't going to waste much time where nobody seems to want Him. I pray daily that we never get to such a place in this country.
