The State of the European States, Pt. 1
by Christopher Hendrix
The past few blogs have focused on a few key items that Christians need to guard against in American Christianity. The root of these issues stems from a lack of understanding of the covenant and a failure to reject the radical individualism that has wreaked havoc upon our society. I now jump across the pond to Europe, where secularism has reduced civilizations to nothing but biological matter and meaninglessness. The infiltration of secular thought into the public square, government, and education has brought a rejection of truth, corruption at the highest levels, and a society that loves killing itself.
The Weakness of Secularism
The greatest threat from secularism isn’t the secular thought itself. Although it promotes human autonomy and humanity as the highest authority, which equates to an arrogance that surpasses anything in human history, it’s a system built on quicksand. People quickly realize there is no hope in humanity. One doesn’t have to think deeply to recognize the frailty of humanity and the lack of control people truly have. Secularists' solutions are fleeting and temporary. They fail because they are rooted in human strength. Psychological drugs, secularists' cure for sin and what’s wrong with mankind, might act as quick fixes, but the dosages must continually increase to try to feel the same effect. Happiness is contingent on feelings and dopamine spikes. The government can’t satisfy the desires of its people. So, secular thought itself is an enemy of Christ, but it pales in comparison to the worst consequence that comes from a secular society.
The Conquering of Secularism
This terrible consequence is the allowance and seeking after false religions. Buddhism is spreading like wildfire through Europe. Vicenza hosts a French festival every year. The festival is designed to enjoy certain parts of French culture. For the past two years, a Buddhist booth has claimed a spot in the French experience. This speaks volumes! Buddhism is laying claim to the culture of France. In addition, a growing number of Italians are becoming Buddhists. Some time ago, I took a few of my daughters out on a date to a restaurant. Some Italians at a nearby table started up a conversation with us. After some explanation of why, as Americans, we are here in Italy, I begin to discuss the Gospel with them. Their immediate response was to say that they were Buddhists. They didn’t know Buddhist doctrine well, but they loved the mystical and experiential aspects of the religion. Why? Secularism has failed to provide substantial meaning to life. The door has been opened to anything else that can fill that gap.
However, Buddhism, though far from the Gospel, isn’t even the most terrifying false religion in Europe right now. This award goes to Islam. Islam has cunningly taken advantage of the secularists' hatred towards Christians and arrived through the back door. While Christians have courted and dated secularism, Muslims have taken advantage and forced themselves upon her. They’ve had their way with secularism and bullied it into submission. After all, the word ‘Islam’ means submission. Islam has cast fear into the Western society and made it politically incorrect to say anything negative about them. In fact, I use Grammarly as my editing software for my writings. Grammarly refused to help me because this blog contained ‘sensitive content.’ Muslims have taken over towns and formed communes in Europe. Places have mosques that sound forth the call to prayer 5 times a day. A quick internet search allows you to watch videos of Europeans recording the call to prayer that feeds right into their home through open windows. Muslims outbreed the Europeans significantly. In a somewhat outdated article, on average, they have 1 more child than European women. However, the age at which they have kids is significantly younger than that of European women (age 30 vs. age 43). [1] This means that Muslims will dominate the population of every European country sooner than many people realize. Don’t be mistaken, Islam is waging war in Europe. The call to prayer is a declaration of war. The church bells that tolled and spoke of the glory of God are now replaced by a dark, sinister, demonic sound. And by current statistics, they are winning.
The Evil of Islam
Islam’s Christology proves its demonic influence. They reduce Christ down to a prophet, a mere man. He’s not even the greatest prophet! Muhammed takes that spot. They are antichrists (1 John 2:22). They mock the nature of Christ by raising Muhammad above him, and they deny the deity of Jesus. They contradict the truth of the Word and minimize Jesus’s work on the cross. They believe their sins are not paid for by the blood of Christ but are balanced out by their works for Allah. They hate the Christian view of Christ and reject the resurrection. Their hate is seen in the persecution of Christians and Jews and the mass slaughtering in the name of Allah. And no, these aren’t ‘radicals’ engaged in the killings of Christians and Jews. These are those who hold fast to the Quran. All other Muslims not involved in these killings aren’t simply holding to the Quran as they should. It is a religion of hatred and violence. This is where the denial of Jesus Christ always leads.
The Strength of Christ
When a proper understanding of Christ is had, then it always leads out of darkness and into light. Hebrews 1:1–4 is one of many significant theological passages that describe Christ. We know the True Christ because Scripture tells us that He is the Creator, the Ruler, and God Himself. He is the only One worthy of our worship. He is the source of all life and truth. Everything is sustained by Him. Even when Jesus was being knit in Mary’s womb, He sustained life. His Word brought things into being, and His Word keeps things existing. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Knowing the true nature of Christ directly impacts all of life. A nation that rejects the nature of Christ will follow after something else as the creator, ruler, and god. Whether it is secularism or Islam, death and despair are always the result. But a nation that seeks Christ will thrive in joy and hope. As Christians, then, there is much to be concerned about in Europe. This once thriving land full of churches (though not always spot on theologically) has now turned into a Christian wasteland. However, the Gospel brings new life. It resurrects the dead. Our God is a God who brings life from death. Christians in Europe can easily become discouraged, but when we think of the nature of Christ, we recognize that we serve the God who brought life from nothing. Surely, He can and will bring life back to Europe. Though the enemies are in the gates, our hope is not set in man but Christ.
So, let us continue to fight by preaching truth, spreading the name of Christ, and living godly lives. We have plenty to be joyful and thankful over. God is good to us. Europe, a continent of vast beauty and much to enjoy, is owned by God. No false god, not even the religion of bringing things into submission, can take God’s property from Him. So, let us march forth triumphally, evangelizing the lost. Christ has won already, and He sits at the right hand of God.
[1] https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2017/11/29/5-facts-about-the-muslim-population-in-europe/#:~:text=Muslims%20are%20much%20younger%20and,Muslim%20woman%20(1.6%20children).