EUROPE AND ITS DISCONTENTS

Abstract

Pope Benedict XVI tries to define Europe geographically and religiously and identify the causes of loss of morale in European
societies, as well he gives certain remedies for ways out of the situation. Pope Benedict notes Oswald Spengler’s model of history - the pattern of civilizations that grow, bloom and die. Biological metaphors used by Spengler leave a little room for hope. Pope likes much more Toynbee’s model. It is not deterministic and indeed provided for diagnosis of the problems of modern Europe - that is, loss of social cohesion due to loss of religious faith. Finally, according to Pope, Europe must regain its signs of identity: human rights must have their transcendent origins; Marriage and family must conform to historical norms; and there must be respect for the sacred - even atheists must express their respect for that people consider to be holy