Europa chrześcijańska czy świecka? Historia i współczesność

Abstract

At present, there is an evident clash between two strong views on Europe, especially its history and future. One, upheld first and foremost by the Church, supports the claim that Europe has traditionally been Christian and should remain so; a viewpoint given much prominence to specifically before Poland joined the European Union. On the other hand, this claim encounters considerable resistance or indifference from those who call themselves “genuine progressive Europeans” and who want a truly secular Europe separated from the church and faith. Some within this group admit that Europe was built on Christian foundations, but they would rather live in a continent devoid of God and of all that He offers to us. The article attempts to answer the question whether Europe is Christian or secular. To achieve this, the first part of the study deals with the Roman Empire and its subsequent history. The analysis clearly demonstrates that Europe is rooted in Christianity. The second part presents the history of three rulers who had a significant influence on the development of Europe and linked it with Christianity: Clovis I, King of the Franks; Charlemagne; and Mieszko I, Duke of the Polans. This section also offers an insight into the contribution of Christianity to Europe. The final part provides examples of the departure from the true ideas of the founding fathers of the European Union. There is a growing tendency to forget, or even lie about the fact, that Christianity has always had a considerable impact on the development of Europe. Increasingly often we can hear opinions that Europe should distance itself from Christianity and become a truly secular community with no respect to and recognition of its Christian roots.