How have Evangelicals viewed European integration during the seven decades of its unfolding development? What factors have informed these perspectives? Are Evangelicals guilty of ‘taking no part, forming no opinion, looking on and doing nothing’ concerning the unprecedented project of European integration initiated after World War Two to establish and sustain peace and well-being among the European peoples?
These questions define the first level of inquiry of this research project, which reveals a clear absence of evangelical engagement with European integration, especially when compared with Roman Catholic and mainstream Protestant perspectives. The inquiry then examines the reasons for this absence before broadening to consider evangelical engagement in the socio-political life-spheres generally in Europe today. It also investigates what training programmes are available for the equipping of Evangelicals for socio-political reflection and engagement in general, and for European-level engagement specifically. In the recommendations section, steps are proposed to identify the necessary foundations for a European, evangelical, missional, public theology, enabling critical missional reflection and engagement of both the European integration project itself and socio-political issues at every level of society.
Our contention is that public theology – applying God’s Word to public life – has been a neglected field among Evangelicals, despite being a centuries-old tradition.
Today democracy, the rule of law, freedom of speech and community values are under threat from inside and outside the European Union by, on the one hand, resurgent totalitarianism, populism and nationalism, and on the other, a radical individualism celebrating diversity and freedom at the cost of social cohesion. Yet a long-standing tradition of non-engagement and a fatalistic eschatological vision, among other factors, have neutralised much of the evangelical world from effective engagement with such issues.
This paper exposes major blind spots in evangelical thinking, a well-meaning ignorance undermining Christian responsibility in the socio-political spheres, and a general lack of vision reflected in the paucity of evangelical public theology programmes equipping workers for effective socio-political engagement. While there are scattered signs of hope, initiatives beyond those focussed on the local level are rare, if not non-existent.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- INTRODUCTION: LOOKING ON AND DOING NOTHING?
- THE BROADER CONTEXT: JOINING GOD IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE.
- LITERATURE REVIEW: GAPS ON THE SHELF?
- METHODOLOGY: FINDING THE CATEGORIES.
- RESEARCH FINDINGS: FACING REALITIES.
- RECOMMENDATIONS: RECOVERING A LEGACY.
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research project examines the evangelical perspective on European integration over the past seven decades, exploring the factors that have influenced this viewpoint. It investigates the reasons behind the limited evangelical engagement with this crucial project, particularly in comparison to Roman Catholic and mainstream Protestant perspectives. The study further analyzes evangelical involvement in broader European socio-political life and examines training programs aimed at equipping Evangelicals for effective engagement in these spheres. The research concludes with recommendations for establishing a framework for a missional public theology that fosters critical reflection and engagement on European integration and societal issues at all levels.
- Evangelical views on European integration
- Factors influencing evangelical perspectives
- Evangelical engagement in socio-political life
- Training programs for socio-political reflection and engagement
- Foundations for a missional public theology
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: Looking on and Doing Nothing? This chapter introduces the research question and outlines the scope of the study. It highlights the absence of significant evangelical engagement with European integration in the initial decades following World War II and explores the potential reasons for this lack of involvement. The chapter also emphasizes the need for a robust evangelical public theology capable of guiding missional reflection and engagement in contemporary society.
- The Broader Context: Joining God in the Public Square. This chapter delves into the broader context of evangelical engagement in public life, emphasizing the importance of applying God's Word to societal issues. It explores the historical context of evangelical perspectives on social engagement and examines the significance of the Lausanne Covenant in emphasizing the social dimensions of the Christian faith. The chapter also analyzes the contemporary threats to democracy, rule of law, and community values within the European Union and argues for a renewed evangelical engagement with these crucial issues.
- Literature Review: Gaps on the Shelf? This chapter presents a comprehensive review of existing literature on evangelical perspectives on European integration. It identifies key gaps in the existing research and analyzes the various academic approaches to studying evangelical engagement in public life.
- Methodology: Finding the Categories. This chapter outlines the research methodology employed in the study. It discusses the data collection and analysis methods used to gather and interpret information on evangelical views and practices related to European integration. The chapter also explains the rationale behind the selection of specific case studies and the use of qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
- Research Findings: Facing Realities. This chapter presents the key findings of the research project. It analyzes the data collected through interviews, surveys, and document analysis to shed light on the diverse perspectives and experiences of Evangelicals regarding European integration. The chapter also examines the impact of historical events, social trends, and political developments on evangelical perspectives and actions.
- Recommendations: Recovering a Legacy. This chapter outlines a series of recommendations for fostering greater evangelical engagement with European integration and broader socio-political issues. It proposes practical steps for developing a robust evangelical public theology that equips individuals for effective leadership and participation in the public sphere. The chapter also suggests strategies for promoting collaboration among evangelical organizations and individuals across Europe and for advocating for a more just and compassionate society.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This research project centers on the intersection of evangelical perspectives, European integration, public theology, and socio-political engagement. It explores key themes such as the Lausanne Covenant, Christian social responsibility, the role of faith in public life, and the historical evolution of evangelical perspectives on European integration. The research also examines the challenges and opportunities for evangelical engagement in a rapidly changing European context, including the rise of populism, nationalism, and secularism.
- Quote paper
- Jeff Fountain (Author), 2021, A comparative analysis of evangelical views on European integration, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1157465
