A European Battlefield: Does the EU Have a Soul? Is Religion In or Out of Place in the European Union?
After its foundation and expansions from six to 27 member states the European Union (EU) seems to be in more disarray than ever before, whereas the Council of Europe with almost twice as many member states seems to be moving on quite successfully on a supranational level focusing on values and human...
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Routledge
2009
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| In: |
Religion, state & society
Year: 2009, Volume: 37, Issue: 1/2, Pages: 51-63 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Summary: | After its foundation and expansions from six to 27 member states the European Union (EU) seems to be in more disarray than ever before, whereas the Council of Europe with almost twice as many member states seems to be moving on quite successfully on a supranational level focusing on values and human rights. Both organisations were born out of the ashes of the European civil wars of the twentieth century. This article will analyse possible reasons why it is so difficult for European leaders to convince their citizens that the EU is the alternative of the twenty-first century. Why is the nation-state such a popular social construct that millions are willing to die for it? The lens through which this analysis is carried out is the concept of civil religion as part of the answer but also as part of the problem. At the core is education, specifically religious education, instilling norms and morals. The problem is seen in that civil religious myths and rituals mould and kindle not only nationalism, but also patriotism. The solution could be added awareness that (national) religious education can promote an inclusive understanding of other nations, cultures and religions. |
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| ISSN: | 1465-3974 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Religion, state & society
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1080/09637490802693528 |