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A Further Perspective
The Unreported Merkel
Europe, immigration, and the German Chancellor’s Christian values.
It’s not often senior European political leaders make politically-incorrect statements, but Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel has recently made a habit of it. The subject has been the touchy question of Muslim immigration and the challenges it poses for European identity. Not only has Merkel upset the European political class (especially the Left and the Greens) by saying what everyone knows — that multiculturalism has “utterly failed” — but she also argued that the issue was not “too much Islam” but “too little Christianity.”
“We have too few discussions about the Christian view of mankind,” Merkel claimed in a recent speech. She then stressed that Germany needs to reflect more upon “the values that guide us, about our Judeo-Christian tradition.” It was one way, Merkel maintained, of bringing “about cohesion in our society.”
On one level, Merkel is surely stating the blindingly obvious. How can Europeans ask Muslim immigrants to integrate into European society and respect European values without Europeans themselves being clear in their own minds about what values are at the core of European identity and where these values come from?
And as much as significant portions of European society would like to deny it, it’s simply a historical fact that the idea of Europe and European values such as liberty, equality before the law, and solidarity did not suddenly appear ex nihilo in the late 17th century with the various Enlightenments. Central to the formation of European identity and such values was the synthesis of Athens, Rome, and Jerusalem achieved by Christianity following the Roman Empire’s collapse in the West in 476 A.D.
Indeed there’s plenty of evidence that the antecedents of most of the various freedoms and genuine achievements of the various Enlightenments are to be found in Christianity. There is increasing recognition, for example, that the idea of human rights was first given concrete expression by medieval canon lawyers.
Yet it is hardly a secret that the Judeo-Christian heritage sits very loosely on many European societies. We find this in a type of secular-fundamentalism — exemplified by Spain’s current Socialist government — that has become fashionable among sections of the European Left. But the ambiguity also manifests itself in the persistence of historical legends that diminish, distort, and denigrate Christianity’s contributions to European civilization.
A good example is the mythology of the so-called “Dark Ages” that permeates popular and elite discussion of European history. Most of the moral, political, and legal foundations of modern market economies, for instance, were established in Europe well before the 16th century. Likewise the scientific method was born in the Middle Ages. Medieval thinkers such as Albertus Magnus made crucial contributions to the development of the natural sciences. Yet despite these facts, many persist in claiming that market economies are essentially a post-Enlightenment phenomenon, or that Christianity is essentially “anti-science.”
But the problem is not only with secular opinion. Since the 1950s, many European Christians have gradually reduced their Christian faith to a vacuous humanitarianism worthy of the best EU-funded NGO. One difficulty with “liberal Christianity” (or whatever’s left of it) is that it isn’t especially interested in affirming any Christian values that go beyond sentimental platitudes about tolerance and equality which are routinely emptied of any specific Christian content. It’s goodbye Thomas Aquinas, hello John Rawls.
This makes it even more ironic that increasing numbers of secular European thinkers believe Europe can only reinvigorate its distinct identity and values through reengaging its Judeo-Christian heritage. This is certainly the conclusion of one of Germany’s most prominent intellectuals, Jürgen Habermas.
A self-described “methodological atheist,” Habermas has been insisting for some time that Europe no longer has the luxury of wallowing in historical denial. As Habermas wrote in his 2006 book, A Time of Transitions: “Christianity, and nothing else [is] the ultimate foundation of liberty, conscience, human rights, and democracy, the benchmarks of western civilization. To this day we have no other options. We continue to nourish ourselves from this source. Everything else is postmodern chatter.”
It follows that any serious discussion of Europe’s Christian values in the context of contemporary immigration and identity debates will require many Europeans to go beyond their often-truncated understandings of European history and Christianity. There’s something paradoxical about this being facilitated by the increasing numbers of Muslims living in Europe. But such an engagement is arguably being made even more urgent by the economic reality that Europe will need even more immigrants if its present demographic winter persists for any significant period of time.
What Chancellor Merkel herself understands by “the Christian view of mankind” was not clear from her remarks. Nor is it evident that particular Christian ideas are always compatible with some Muslim positions. Despite all the interfaith chatter to the contrary, there are some fundamental theological differences between Christianity and Islam, many of which have implications for subjects ranging from religious liberty to the nature of the state. Merkel, however, is undoubtedly correct to insist that any discussion of immigration in Europe should involve Europeans worrying a little less about Islam and paying far more attention to knowing the truth about their own heritage and Christianity’s place in it.
The truth doesn’t just set us free. There’s no future without it.
About the Author
Samuel Gregg is Research Director at the Acton Institute. He has authored several books including On Ordered Liberty, his prize-winning The Commercial Society, Wilhelm Röpke’s Political Economy, and, most recently, Becoming Europe: Economic Decline, Culture, and America’s Future.
Maddox| 11.29.10 @ 8:11AM
Well written article with ideals that would serve America as well, if heeded.
John| 11.29.10 @ 6:07PM
MikeD: since when has Christianity advocated "kill everybody who disagrees with you"? I am waiting for your reply!
MikeD| 11.29.10 @ 8:59AM
I'm sure the European 'Left' is sputtering in foaming mouth fury at Chancellor Merkel's words; but they'd better wise up; just as the self described 'Elite' in America must. Here's a news flash gang: The Muslims do not like you! They would like to see you dead! Get a grip on reality; the Koran says it, so, according to the slobbering love affair the Lefties have with everything Muslim, it MUST be true!
Christianity, as a religion, regardless of its warts, steered whole populations through the horrors of the Dark Ages, with its attendant plagues, wars, and violent death. It sorta reminds us of today's emphasis of Islam. You know, kill everybody who disagrees with you.
The longer the cretins in our colleges and universities worship at the twin altars of "Deconstructionism" and "Multiculturalism", the closer we come to our own descent into a new Dark Age.
What I find most interesting about all this, is that the 'useful idiots' in collegetown and Hollywood will be among the very first to die when the Muslims they love so much take over. See what Islam has to say about adultery, homosexuality, thieves, and casual sex . It makes ya all 'tingly' like Chris Matthews and his unrequited love affair with our own (Muslim?) messiah. Remember where HIS votes mostly came from.
Is there anybody not yet offended? You might be better served by waking up instead of dismissing the truth. Your life may just depend on it.
Paul from SA| 11.29.10 @ 12:17PM
MikeD, good comments.
I think liberals treat them (Muslim jhadists) so nicely is because they perceive them as enemies of Republicans -- and the old adage applies: the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
For liberals, conservative Republicans are their main enemy.
Dennis O'Donovan | 11.29.10 @ 9:20AM
Upon reading Mr. Gregg's article on German Chancellor Angela Merkel, I was reminded of the Pope's efforts to have Christianity mentioned in the proposed European Union Constitution. Greek, Roman and Enlightenment influences were mentioned, but not Christianity.
Barbara| 11.30.10 @ 12:11AM
The twelve stars on the EU flag are a reference to the Blessed Mother in Revelation. Culturally illiterate lefties didn't catch it.
JP| 11.29.10 @ 9:52AM
Europe's move away from Christianity was first noted by Nietzsche (he quipped that Germans, for the first time, read the newspapers more than thier Bibles). One may even submit that the move began as far back as Luther, who put the individual conscience above the Sacred. Luther's ground breaking ideas were indispensible to Enlightenment, but they were a catastrophe for Europe as a whole. For the first time in 1200 years, Europe's religious longings took second seat to secular ones (of course, Luther and his followers didn't see it that way). By the end of the disasterous 30 Years War, Kings and the aristocracy operatered without fear of any Bishops or Papal decree. By 1789 the aristocracy was put on notice, and the rise of Napolean (and the fall of the Holy Roman Empire) marked the end religious expression in civic affairs. The Treaty of Vienna may have kept a vestige of the Old Order alive (and it worked remarkably well), but, as Marx once quiped, the March of History goes on.
World War One destroyed all that was left of the old religious order (customs, traditions, manners, laws). Since then, Europe became a playground for would-be secular pontiffs who wished to mold a New Order based not upon God, but The State. World War II put an end to the more violent expressions of this trend (it took another 45 years for the Soviet incarnation to die). But, the Progressives keep the flame alive.
Merkel's thought represents a distilled version of early 20th Century Protestantism. It is Progressive, Multicultural, Secular, and dead. Not even the Europeans believe in the project anymore. The religious instincts of Europe are dead (and the US isn't far behind). They may be more sophisticated than we Americans; but, their thought has no weight. No one will die to defend the Euro or candle light vigils, or beer soaked soccor matches. But, jihadists are more than willing to take out a day-care with 30lbs of TNT.
We should not look at Europe with smugness. For we are only half a generation behind them.
darcy| 11.30.10 @ 2:56AM
"One may even submit that the move began as far back as Luther, who put the individual conscience above the Sacred. Luther's ground breaking ideas were indispensible to Enlightenment, but they were a catastrophe for Europe as a whole."
I refer you to The Long Reformation, by Dr. James Kiecker. Read it. Then retract your calumny against Martin Luther. Read also The Book of Concord.
To say that Martin Luther put "the individual conscience above the sacred" would be laughable if it weren't so obviously intended to mislead Christians. "Above the sacred?" Oh, please. You betray a woeful lack of both history and theology.
Luther REFORMED the church, not by placing HIS individual conscience above the sacred but by reading and believing the BIBLE in which there was no mention whatsoever about indulgences, about the Pope leading armies, the selling of offices, about dozens of other practices of the deformed Roman church -- and nothing sacred in it either. Brother. Where do you people get your history from???????
Mimi| 11.29.10 @ 10:27AM
J.P....I don't see it as that bleak!...Pope John paul was not a secular POPE and niether is Benedict. I see the Catholic Mass parking lot still full!! The recent revival of ..." LOVE of FREEDOM" is a welcome sign. The LIBERTY the founders bequeathed us , must have moral order that springs from love and respect for GOD...and therefore each other. I think Europe is awakening from the Socialist trend...Though NOW only slightly a FREEDOM bent is beginning.
We can only HOPE!!!
JP| 11.29.10 @ 12:32PM
Mimi,
I don't think I'm pessimistic as I am just realistic. Pope JPII had a much deeper impact on African, Asian and North American Catholics and Christians than he did in Europe. Once you get past the mass exhibitions, youth rallies, and hysterics and look at Catholics in Europe, you see that niether the current Pope nor the last Pope made much of an impression. Metrics such as Mass attendence, fertility rates, abortions, and co-habitation indicate that Catholics in Europe are as about as moribond is ever.
This is not to toot our own hat over here. The rate of birth control usage and cohabitation amongst Catholic couples here isn't much better. Yes, we have pockets of orthodoxy, but they are currently just that - pockets.
Pope Benedict XVI now speaks of a re-evangelization of Europe. This is an amazing thing to say. It wasn't too long ago (perhaps just 45 years) when Catholics here still looked to Europe for leadership. Yet, if one looks at Europe today, they will find more bishops, theologians and priests who defy Catholic moral and social teaching than those who remain orthodox.
We know in the long run who wins out. But between then and now I fear there will be much pain.
LMajito| 11.29.10 @ 10:45AM
I don't know but for some time i have been thinking that perhaps a few years of strong sharia in the us won't be that bad...it may actually provoke the regular citizen to actually lift his/her head and take notice. far too many are too 'busy' to worry about islamic invasion of their country...get too bother because some child may recite a christian prayer at a local football game but is not bother by schools taken children to recite and act like muslims. i wonder how american women will react to not being allowed to drive, use the cell phone outside the house, not being permitted to walk the streets unless they're 6 feet behind one male relative...hmm how long will that scenario last in the us?? yet i see some very dipstick western females walking the malls, supermarkets with islamic head gear...i always think there goes a very ignorant individual...go live in saudi arabia for a week babe and let's see how much you like sharia...
John Thomas | 11.29.10 @ 1:03PM
Reading of Angela Merkel's words, here, and those of such as Jurgen Habermas, I'm caused to imagine - fantasise - a time some centuries in the future, when there's a whole intellectual movement which aims to recover and re-discover the culture, values, and civilisation of Christian Europe/the West, just as in the 19th century many in Europe/the English-speaking world sought to re-discover the culture, architecture , and art of the vanished Middle Ages. Christianity and Christian culture might one day be "in" again.
Ed| 11.29.10 @ 2:53PM
If Europe is ever going to regain its Christian Heritage, it is going to have to separate church and state. By making churches dependent on contributions from their parishioners, America has forced its churches to pay attention to "market forces". If a church goes too far astray, it will wither on the vine. In the Mainline Protestant denominations, there are congregations that are Bible centered and those who are not. Guess which Mainline congregations are prospering?
Religion also influences demographics and you can look at Hawaii as an example. I am a frequent visitor to the islands, and the state is undergoing a demographic transition. Within a generation or two, the state's populace is going to be dominated by Catholics, Mormons, and Evangelical Protestants.
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