Grace Thompson
Europe is predominantly divided into three religious groups: Protestant in the north and west, Catholic in the south, and Orthodox in the east. While countries like Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland have significant or majority Catholic populations, others like Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, and the United Kingdom have a predominantly Protestant population. Additionally, countries like Belarus, Bulgaria, Greece, Russia, and Ukraine are largely Eastern Orthodox. It's worth noting that the degree of religious observance varies within each country, and secularism is on the rise in many parts of Europe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries with the largest number of Catholics | In decreasing order: Vatican City, Timor-Leste, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and Portugal |
| Countries with significant or majority Catholic populations | Andorra, Austria, Belarus (western), Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia (the Latgale region), Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Ukraine (western part), and Vatican City |
| Countries with Eastern Catholic Churches | Ukraine (western), Italy (southern), Slovakia (eastern), Romania, and Hungary |
| Countries with significant Eastern Orthodox populations | Belarus, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Georgia, Greece, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, and the European part of Kazakhstan |
| Countries with significant Muslim populations | Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Finland, Albania, Kosovo, and Bosnia |
| Countries with a large proportion of non-religious people | Czech Republic, Netherlands, and Portugal |
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What You'll Learn
Secularism and atheism in Europe
Europe has been predominantly Christian since the first century. However, secularism and atheism have become increasingly prevalent in the region, particularly in Western Europe. The Age of Enlightenment in the 18th century played a pivotal role in the spread of atheism and agnosticism across Europe. The Enlightenment challenged traditional interpretations of the Bible and introduced new scientific concepts that clashed with religious dogma. Deism, for instance, gained traction in France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom during this period.
The two World Wars also significantly contributed to the rise of secularism in Europe. The devastation and loss of life during the wars fostered a new psyche, making it difficult for many to believe in a benevolent God. The Soviet occupation of Eastern Europe, rooted in atheism, further propelled the growth of secularism in that region.
Some European countries have experienced a more rapid decline in religious belief and affiliation than others. Ireland, for example, has undergone a swift process of secularisation in recent decades, with the influence of the Church diminishing through a series of public referendums. Similarly, Poland has witnessed a political backlash against the conservative political entrenchment of Church power, coinciding with the growing irreligion of its youngest generations.
According to a 2012 Pew Research Center survey, atheists and agnostics constituted about 18.2% of the European population in 2010. The Czech Republic and Estonia stood out as the only two European countries with a majority of their populations identifying as religiously unaffiliated (76% and 60%, respectively). A later study from 2015 revealed that the Netherlands had also joined the ranks of majority-irreligious countries, with 68% of its population claiming no religious affiliation.
While secularism and atheism have made significant inroads in Europe, it's worth noting that religion continues to play a significant role in many European societies. Christianity remains the largest religion in Europe, with 76.2% of Europeans identifying as Christians in 2010. However, this masks a diversity of beliefs, with Roman Catholics making up 48% of European Christians, the Orthodox 32%, and mainline Protestants 19%.
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Religious pluralism
While the majority of European countries have historically had a dominant Christian denomination, the Enlightenment in Europe brought about a shift towards recognising the rights of individuals to express beliefs that diverged from the mainstream religion of their country. This has resulted in a gradual increase in rights for minority denominations and religions, with a focus on freedom of belief.
The concept of religious pluralism refers to the attitude or policy regarding the diversity of religious belief systems co-existing in a society. It involves recognising and tolerating religious diversity, promoting freedom of religion, and defining secularism as neutrality on issues of religion. Religious pluralism can take maximalist forms, claiming that all religions are equally true, or relativist forms, claiming that different religions are true for different people.
In Europe, the history of religious pluralism has been influenced by the split between Lutherans and Catholics, which was made public through the 1521 Edict of Worms. This led to the acceptance of Lutherans in the 1530 Augsburg Confession and the Peace of Augsburg in 1555, which granted legal recognition to some Christian churches. The Thirty Years' War, which began in 1618, was a destructive conflict rooted in religious and political tensions between Protestants and Catholics. Subsequently, several countries adopted measures promoting tolerance for other denominations, such as the Peace of Westphalia in 1653 and the Edict of Tolerance in England in 1689, influenced by Protestant and freethinking philosophers like John Locke and Thomas Paine.
Today, religious pluralism is a contested issue in modern Islamic countries, where laws restricting religious freedom, such as criminalising apostasy and forbidding the construction of non-Islamic places of worship, have been implemented. In contrast, Western Europe has become less religious, with increasing secularisation and religious pluralism.
Research on religious plurality in Germany, Finland, and Slovenia found that while the presence of religious diversity in the surrounding environment did not impact the centrality of religion in people's lives, personal encounters with diverse religious alternatives positively influenced religiosity. This suggests that the impact of religious diversity on individuals may be more significant than its broader societal presence.
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Catholicism and immigration
While Europe is predominantly Christian, with around 76.2% of the population identifying as such as of 2010, not all European countries are Catholic. Countries like Russia, Serbia, Poland, France, North Macedonia, and Greece have small numbers of Catholics. Scandinavian countries like Denmark and Finland have significant Protestant populations, and countries like Belarus, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Cyprus have significant Eastern Orthodox populations.
Now, when it comes to Catholicism and immigration, the Catholic Church teaches that prosperous nations should welcome foreigners seeking security and livelihood that they cannot find in their home countries. This is based on the belief that families are the foundation of society and that immigration policies should strengthen and promote family unity. The Bible itself depicts migrations, such as the Holy Family fleeing persecution, which Popes have used as an example of the refugee experience. Catholic social teaching calls for comprehensive immigration reform to address the root causes of migration, especially forced migration, and to respect the right to migrate while also upholding border security.
Catholic organizations in Mexico and the United States have been active in assisting immigrants, providing charitable responses, and advocating for their rights. However, there is a tension between these organizations and authorities, as seen in the case of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's investigation into Catholic nonprofits for allegedly facilitating illegal immigration.
While the Church emphasizes sensitivity towards immigrants and avoiding scapegoating them, it does not advocate for open borders. Instead, it supports legal processes for long-time residents and undocumented immigrants to regularize their status, strengthening communities and keeping families together. This balance between welcoming immigrants and upholding border integrity is a key aspect of the Catholic perspective on immigration.
In summary, Catholicism and immigration are interconnected through the Church's teachings on welcoming foreigners, addressing root causes of migration, and promoting family unity. Catholic organizations play a role in assisting immigrants, and the Church advocates for comprehensive immigration reform while respecting the right of nations to maintain sovereign borders.
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Religious minorities in Europe
Europe has a long and complex religious history, with Christianity being the largest religion on the continent. However, this does not mean that religious minorities do not exist or are not prominent in Europe. In fact, irreligion and practical secularisation are also common in several European countries.
Islam is the second-largest religion in Europe, with about 44 million Muslims in Europe as of 2010, constituting around 6% of the population. Muslims have a long history in Europe, dating back to the 8th-century Muslim conquests and the Ottoman expansion into the Balkans and parts of Central Europe. Today, several countries in Southeastern Europe, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Albania, have Muslim majorities. Additionally, recent migration from the Middle East and North Africa has also contributed to the Muslim population in Europe. While there are more favourable views of Muslims in Western Europe and Russia, negative sentiments towards Muslims persist in Eastern and Southern Europe.
Jewish people also constitute a significant religious minority in Europe and have faced widespread harassment. According to reports, Jews faced harassment in 34 out of 45 European countries (76%), the highest proportion among all world regions. Additionally, online intimidation of Jewish communities, including the publishing of lists of Jewish residents and businesses on neo-Nazi websites, has been reported in countries like Italy.
Other religious minorities in Europe include various Protestant movements, such as Evangelical congregations, and ancient religions like Zoroastrianism. Pagan communities also exist in some European countries, such as Finland and Russia. Additionally, new religious movements like the Church of Scientology, the Gülen Movement, and Baháʼí have a presence in Europe.
Treatment of Religious Minorities
The treatment of religious minorities in Europe varies across the continent. In about two-thirds of European countries, organised groups have attempted to dominate public life with their religious perspectives, often targeting minority groups. Social hostilities directed at religious minorities are more prevalent in Europe (67%) compared to the rest of the world (38%). For example, women have been harassed over religious dress in about 42% of European countries, a higher percentage than in other regions. Additionally, religious groups have attempted to prevent other minority groups from operating in a third of European countries. Negative sentiments are also expressed towards the Roma minority in several European countries, with particularly strong anti-Roma sentiment in Italy.
However, it is important to note that some countries in Europe are actively working towards recognising and promoting the rights of religious minorities. Projects like the Atlas of Religious or Belief Minorities (RBMs) aim to map and measure the rights of RBMs in EU countries, providing evidence for developing inclusive policies.
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The Catholic Church's role in European history
The Catholic Church has played a significant role in shaping European history, with its influence felt across various realms, including politics, society, and culture. For centuries, Rome was the centre of European Christianity, and the Roman Catholic Church was the most powerful unifying structure in the region. The Church's influence extended beyond spiritual matters, and it often wielded considerable temporal power, challenging the authority of monarchs and shaping political events.
During the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church accumulated significant secular wealth and influence. By the 12th century, church leaders dominated the upper echelons of power in Europe, owning vast tracts of land and exerting control over the secular aristocracy. The Church's pattern of worship and its preservation of Greco-Roman culture also contributed to its influence. Monks in monasteries meticulously copied ancient manuscripts and works of art, safeguarding the knowledge and culture of classical Greece and Rome.
The layout of towns and cities, with the church at their centre, symbolised the institution's importance in medieval society. The church steeple, often the highest point, signified the Church's prominence. People's lives revolved around the Church, and they contributed a portion of their income through tithing. This wealth further bolstered the Church's power, enabling it to influence political decisions and shape the course of European history.
The relationship between the Church and secular rulers was complex and sometimes contentious. While the Pope in Rome and the major monarchs of Christendom often viewed each other as rivals, they shared a vested interest in maintaining a hierarchical society. The Pope's authority extended to the power to excommunicate rulers, effectively isolating them politically. This dynamic played out in various historical events, such as Pope Gregory VII excommunicating Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV.
The Catholic Church also experienced periods of reform and upheaval. The East-West Schism of the 11th century and the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century divided Christendom into hostile factions. The Counter-Reformation, initiated during the 16th century, was a period of reform and renewal for the Church. The Second Vatican Council in the 1960s brought about significant changes to Catholic practices, marking another pivotal moment in the Church's evolution.
In conclusion, the Catholic Church has been a pivotal force in European history, influencing politics, society, and culture. Its wealth, power, and ideological influence have shaped the continent's trajectory, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of Europeans, both past and present.
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Frequently asked questions
Some non-Catholic European countries include Russia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the United Kingdom, Iceland, and Estonia. While these countries have significant Protestant, Orthodox Christian, or non-religious populations, it's important to note that religious affiliation can vary within each country and that complete religious homogeneity is rare.
Russia is predominantly Eastern Orthodox Christian, with small numbers of adherents to other faiths, including Catholicism. It is the largest Christian country in Europe by population.
Europe has a long history of religious diversity and change. Since the first century, Christianity has been the predominant religion. However, the East-West Schism of the 11th century and the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century divided Europe religiously. The Age of Enlightenment in the 18th century led to a rise in atheism and agnosticism in Western Europe. The 19th century saw the popularity of Orientalism and Buddhism, and the 20th century brought increasing religious pluralism and secularisation.
The relationship between religion, society, and politics in Europe is complex and varies by country. In some countries, like the Netherlands, religious communities have influenced the cultural and economic landscape. The rise of new religious movements and the decline of traditional affiliations have also impacted the religious outlook. Additionally, events like World War II and increased migration have contributed to the religious diversity of Europe.
