This article examines the roots of Europe’s moral decline, the contrasting influence of the Enlightenment and American revivalism, and the urgent need for Europe to reconnect with the Christian values that once shaped its civilizations.
By Dr. Tim Orr
Last year, while dining at a charming Italian restaurant in London, I spoke with a young Italian woman who worked there. Intrigued by her perspective on faith, I couldn't help but ask what she thought about Christianity. She looked at me and said, quite bluntly, "Christianity? It's completely irrelevant." Her response caught me off guard, but it perfectly encapsulated a sentiment I've noticed more and more during my visits to Europe.
I travel to the UK twice a year, and every time, I am struck by how different the religious landscape is compared to the United States. In America, especially on the political Left, there's often fierce opposition to Evangelicals. But in Europe, the attitude is entirely different. It's not that people are hostile toward Christianity—they just don't see it as relevant to their lives anymore.
This shift is fascinating and a bit unsettling. Once the bedrock of Christian faith and culture, Europe seems to have drifted far from its roots. Secularism has taken hold, traditional family values are less emphasized, and the political and ideological landscapes have shifted dramatically. Meanwhile, in the U.S., revivalist movements have kept a more religious culture alive, preserving a connection to faith that seems to be fading in Europe.
So, what’s driving these changes? More importantly, is there a way for Europe to reconnect with its spiritual heritage in today's world? Let's explore the forces on both sides of the Atlantic as we dive into this evolving story.
One major factor behind Europe’s changing relationship with Christianity is the rise of secularism, which has gradually pushed religion, especially Christianity, to the edges of both public and private life. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, only 18% of Europeans say religion is important in their daily lives. This decline is visible everywhere — churches that once buzzed with life now often stand quiet, more like historical landmarks than bustling community hubs.
The shift towards secularism took off during the Enlightenment, an intellectual movement that championed reason, science, and individual freedom over religious faith and communal values. Thinkers like Voltaire, John Locke, and Immanuel Kant encouraged society to rely on human reason and empirical evidence, often questioning traditional religious beliefs and institutions. While the Enlightenment sparked a lot of positive changes, like advances in science and human rights, it also nudged Europe towards a more secular worldview. Recognizing both sides of this coin — the good and the not-so-good impacts on European culture and values is essential.
Another sign of Europe’s cultural transformation is the shift in traditional family values. The family, traditionally understood in Christian teaching as a unit founded on the marriage covenant between a man and a woman, is now often seen as just one of many ways to live. This change reflects a broader acceptance of diverse lifestyles.
Looking at the numbers, we see this shift. According to Eurostat, the average marriage rate in the European Union dropped from 7.8 per 1,000 people in 1964 to just 4.4 in 2019. At the same time, the divorce rate has nearly doubled. More people are choosing to cohabit rather than marry, and more children are being born outside of marriage, suggesting a move away from the traditional Christian view of marriage as a lifelong commitment.
Some see these trends as a decline in moral values, while others argue that they reflect evolving social norms that better accommodate a variety of family structures. Both perspectives offer valuable insights, and it’s important to understand that while traditional family values have changed, these shifts also represent broader societal dynamics and diverse cultural expressions.
Church attendance is another area where we see a big shift. The United Kingdom, which once played a key role in spreading Christianity, has dramatically dropped the number of people attending church over the past 50 years.
In the 1960s, about 6.5 million people, roughly 15% of the UK population, regularly attended Church of England services. By 2019, that number had fallen to just 1.1 million, or about 1.9% of the population. This decline is especially noticeable among younger generations. A 2020 survey by the British Social Attitudes (BSA) found that only 2% of young adults aged 18-24 identify as Anglican, while 70% say they have no religious affiliation.
But these trends are not limited to the Church of England; other Christian denominations in the UK are experiencing similar declines. The closure of thousands of churches since the 1960s underscores this shift.
It’s important to remember that fewer people going to church doesn’t necessarily mean people have lost their faith altogether. Many still identify as spiritual but may not connect with organized religion in traditional ways. Understanding this broader context can help Christians find new ways to engage with contemporary Europeans who might still be searching for spiritual meaning outside of conventional church settings.
One reason for the decline of Christianity in Europe, particularly in the UK, is the historical association of the Church of England with the state. Often referred to as "the Tory party at prayer," this phrase captures the perception that the Church has been closely tied to the Conservative Party and the British establishment. This alignment has made the Church seem more like a symbol of the status quo rather than a dynamic, responsive community of faith. As Bruce (2011) points out, these close ties have led many to see the Church as more concerned with maintaining traditional power structures than addressing a changing population's spiritual and social needs. This perception has likely contributed to the decline in church attendance and engagement, as many people increasingly view the Church as out of touch with modern life and values.
Moreover, as Davie (2015) suggests, "believing without belonging" is becoming more common in the UK, where people maintain personal spiritual beliefs but don’t affiliate with institutional religion. This reflects a broader trend of secularization, where declining church influence doesn’t necessarily mean a loss of faith but rather a shift in how that faith is expressed and practiced.
In recent years, Europe has seen the rise of various political ideologies, including some on the radical left. These movements often emphasize social justice, equality, and anti-capitalism, which sometimes clash with free speech and open discourse principles. While these ideologies aim to promote inclusivity and protect marginalized groups, they have also faced criticism for potentially stifling free expression when dissenting voices are silenced.
This can be a significant concern for Christians and others, as the erosion of free speech could make it harder to engage in public discourse, share the Gospel, and uphold moral truths. Christianity has long valued truth, dialogue, and the free exchange of ideas. When these principles are at risk, fulfilling the mission of witnessing to the world becomes challenging.
It’s crucial to approach these issues thoughtfully, recognizing the importance of protecting free speech while addressing hate speech and promoting respectful dialogue. Finding this balance is key to maintaining a healthy democratic society and ensuring that all voices, including those grounded in Christian ethics, can be heard.
As Europe has distanced itself from its Christian roots, it has entered a period of moral complexity. Without the anchor of absolute moral truths central to Christian ethics, moral decisions are often based on personal preference or societal trends rather than a shared, objective standard. This moral relativism is apparent in debates around issues like abortion, euthanasia, and gender identity.
Take abortion, for example. Traditionally regarded by Christianity as the taking of innocent life, it has become widely accepted and legalized across Europe. Similarly, the legalization of euthanasia in several European countries raises ethical concerns for those who hold to the Christian belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every human life.
These issues reflect broader cultural shifts and differing moral frameworks. Engaging in these debates requires sensitivity and a willingness to understand diverse perspectives while articulating the Christian worldview with compassion and clarity.
The contrasting influences of the Enlightenment in Europe and the American revivalist movements provide insight into why Europe and the United States have followed different paths regarding religion and secularism. While the Enlightenment promoted secularism, reason, and the questioning of traditional authority in Europe, the revivalist movements in America reaffirmed the importance of Christian faith in public and private life, preserving a more religious culture.
The First Great Awakening (1730s-1740s) and the Second Great Awakening (late 18th to early 19th century) were key revivalist movements in the United States that emphasized personal conversion, a personal relationship with God, and moral living based on biblical principles. These movements led to mass conversions and the growth of evangelical Protestantism, slowing the spread of secular Enlightenment ideals in America.
However, it’s important to note that Europe and the United States face unique cultural and religious challenges. The U.S. also grapples with secularization, religious extremism, and cultural polarization. Understanding these historical influences helps explain the ongoing cultural and ideological differences between the two regions and highlights the need for a balanced approach to addressing these complex dynamics.
Given these cultural shifts, Europe has an opportunity to reconnect with the Christian values that once shaped its civilizations—not by turning back the clock but by finding fresh ways to integrate these values into contemporary society. Christianity has been a foundational part of Europe’s history and identity, offering a moral framework that has guided societies through both good times and challenging times.
The path forward involves a renewed commitment to these values within the Church and broader society. Christians are called to witness the truths of the Gospel, live out the teachings of Christ in their daily lives, and engage in the public sphere in ways that reflect God’s love, justice, and truth. This engagement requires dialogue, humility, and a willingness to listen to and learn from others with different perspectives.
Prayer and spiritual renewal are essential to this effort. Europe's challenges are not just cultural or political but deeply spiritual. Christians must pray for a renewal of faith across the continent, seeking God’s guidance and strength to address our time's moral and spiritual complexities.
The Church must also serve as a beacon of hope and moral clarity in a confused world. By faithfully proclaiming the Gospel and living according to Christian principles, the Church can provide a powerful witness to the transformative power of faith in Christ, showing that Christian values remain relevant and vital in a rapidly changing world.
Europe stands at a crossroads. The continent's cultural and moral shifts, influenced by the secularizing trends of the Enlightenment and the rise of diverse ideologies, have led to significant social, cultural, and political challenges. Yet, there is hope for renewal. By thoughtfully engaging with contemporary issues, upholding the truths of Scripture, and living out Christian values in ways that resonate with today’s society, believers can play a crucial role in restoring Europe's moral and spiritual health.
This is a call to prayer, reflection, and action. The challenges are great, but with God’s help, a revival of faith can once again make Europe a place where Christian values flourish.
Bruce, S. (2011). Secularization: In defense of an unfashionable theory. Oxford University Press.
Davie, G. (2015). Religion in Britain: A persistent paradox. Wiley-Blackwell.