Silent Europe [Volume: 7(1988), pp. 3-6]

SILENT EUROPE
5
power also essential, if a torn Europe is to be woken from its lethargy?
This underlines once again the fact that this continent-and in its wake
the others-is facing the question: how is it possible to reconcile progress
in science and technology with the preservation of spiritual values and
moral principles? This tension between scientific progress and the maintenance of spiritual values (together with personal responsibility) has made
plain the contrast between a Christian religious view of mankind and a
Marxist view of the world and the human being. This conflict has its roots
in the Europe of the nineteenth century, and so its resolution today is
a task for Europe.
The opposition between knowledge and belief, in the sense in which
it formed the basis for the Marxist view of the world in the nineteenth
century, has today been overcome.
The complementarity of knowledge and belief is recognized in our
days and given prominence (as in the Nobel prize winners' conference
and Nova Spes). The recognition in Europe of this relation between knowledge and belief has set in motion a great dialogue, which is being followed
with interest in the other continents. However, in recognition of its history
and the fact that it has now set itself this task, Europe is expected to play
a leading role in it.
The Second Vatican Council emphasized this dialogue and gave it
prominence. Three Vatican Secretariats were born out of the Council,
and show clearly the direction being taken by the essential spiritual dialogue
taking place in Europe: first, the dialogue to promote Christian unity
(Secretariat for Unity); next, the promotion of discussion with other world
religions (Secretariat for Non-Christian Religions); and third, a dialogue
concerning discussion with non-believers (Secretariat for Non-credentibus),
or materialistically-oriented humanists and atheists. These three Secretariats
in Rome show those three directions which are clearly emerging as tasks
for Europe today. Europe, silent until now, should once again be heard
and once more take up her role as spiritual leader, because of the historical
background informing these three directions of dialogue.
We have ecumenical discussion among Christians. This is also linked
with the dialogue between the great monotheistic religions: Judaism,
Christianity and Islam.
We have here a difficult and great task for the future, one which
touches Europe first and foremost. But as a result of its history Europe is
prepared for this theological task. The relaxation of the tension between
Christians and Jews has begun-a tension which does exist and which includes a European tradition of anti-semitism. Further progress now needs
to be made. It will be achieved through the introduction of new ways of
thinking, a strong boost to which was given by the Vatican document
Nostra aetate (Catholic Christianity and the non-Christian religions).
Dialogue with the Moslems is touched on in the same document,