[sageb1]

I apologize if this has been posted. I did a search and didn't find it. It is somewhat long, but really worth the read, so for those of you watching American Idol, please bookmark for later.

The .pdf version is here

[Eagles6]

save

[ClearCase_guy]

In 1913, European culture was the most sophisticated in the world. Modern technology and overseas colonies created a truly global economy that was raising living standards everywhere.

Then came WWI.

Europe has been in decline ever since 1914. Like Britain after the Roman legions left, I think there will be centuries of darkness before Europe ever matters again.

[PGalt]

Outstanding! Bravo! Thanks very much for posting.

[strategofr]

"In other words, the separation of Church and State does imply that one institution is not superordinate to the other, but does not entail expelling religion from social life and considering it purely as a private affair, ultimately relegated to a “ghetto of subjectivity”, to use a phrase of Pope Benedict XVI. Unfortunately, this is exactly what is happening in Europe. The public expression of religion is disliked, disapproved, frustrated, if not prohibited.

The first consequence is that religion can no longer nourish our civil customs, provide a spiritual ground for our societies or act as a support for our public rules and behaviour..."

Brilliant point.


"...unlike the situation in America where the private sphere still has a strong public character. "

May be relative to Europe this is true---but there is no doubt that the Left is doing the same thing here with some success. By banning public expressions of Christianity, such as Christmas, and the Judeo-Christian tradition, such as the 10 Commandments---the Left is weakening religion in our society. Even as a Jew, I wanna bring back public Christmas in America. It is part of America, we need it, it does not offend me.

[Leo Carpathian]

The EU idea is doomed. It didn't work as Soviet Union, bunch of countries tied together with idiotic beraucracy has little chance. Make room for some guest workers.

[John Lenin]

We have become a nations seperate entities. Society has broken down into splinter groups with each group only looking out for what's best for them. Universal truth (religion)is mocked and ridiculed.

It's only been 40 years since the sexual revolution, led by gays and lesbians that the country has been in a downward spiral, spiritually and morally. Without morals humans become no better than animals. The anything goes mentality has led to the breakup of the nuclear family and once the family breaks down it leaves people not caring about the future and only about their own selves.

[LjubivojeRadosavljevic]

["My answer is no. Europe cannot. Unless Europe rapidly regains confidence in its principles, and understands that they apply not only to Europe but to everyone, because they confer dignity and hospitality to all, it will become irrelevant on the world stage. If that day comes, all of us will have lost, because our great civilisation will have been transferred elsewhere."]

And, so where is "our great civilisation" going to be "transferred elsewhere" to? (Antarctica?)

In short, I think the author is being overly pessimistic.

[sageb1]

You might be interested in this.

[Frank_2001]

Excellent article!

[Savage Beast]

"Unless Europe rapidly regains confidence in its principles..."

Europe cannot even muster the will to survive.

[nathanbedford]

For the record, it is worth noting that every malady which the author cites as both symptom and cause of Europe's malaise are relevent to the immigration debate in America. Multiculturalism without check, was only 60,000 votes away in Ohio.

Multiculturalism, relativism, and anti-religion, the bastard brain children of The Frankfurt School, are all exploited to bring us ruin through unchecked immigration.

[Emerald]

Many thanks for posting that. As long as Europe has voices like Mr. Pera's and like the Pope's, we may not be lost. At a crossroads, yes, but there is still a little time left to choose the right path. Because those voices are heard more often lately.