Brian Carney is thinking about why Europe's great churches are empty.
Practicing Christianity in Europe today enjoys a status not dissimilar to smoking marijuana or engaging in unorthodox sexual activities--few people mind if you do so in private, but you are expected not to talk about it or ask others whether they do it too. Christianity is considered retrograde and atavistic in a "progressive" society devoted to the good life--long holidays, short work hours and generous government benefits.
Related: Peggy Noonan muses about what the cardinals may be thinking as they choose a new pope.
Posted by Alan at April 14, 2005 01:29 AM