A comparative analysis of evangelical views on European integration

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION: LOOKING ON AND DOING NOTHING?

2. THE BROADER CONTEXT: JOINING GOD IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE.

3. LITERATURE REVIEW: GAPS ON THE SHELF?

4. METHODOLOGY: FINDING THE CATEGORIES.

5. RESEARCH FINDINGS: FACING REALITIES.

6. RECOMMENDATIONS: RECOVERING A LEGACY.

7. CONCLUSIONS: BACK TO THE BIBLE.

Research Objective and Key Themes

This research project explores the historical and contemporary lack of evangelical engagement with the project of European integration, examining the theological, historical, and practical reasons for this absence while proposing foundational elements for a missionally-informed public theology.

• Historical analysis of evangelical attitudes towards European integration.
• Evaluation of current evangelical perspectives and "blind spots" in public engagement.
• Investigation into available theological training for the public square.
• Development of a framework for an evangelical public theology for Europe.
• Recommendations for education and active participation in socio-political life.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. INTRODUCTION: LOOKING ON AND DOING NOTHING?: This chapter introduces the core problem of evangelical disengagement from European integration and outlines the scope of the research.

2. THE BROADER CONTEXT: JOINING GOD IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE.: This chapter defines the evangelical identity and explores the historical and theological roots of the relationship between faith and politics.

3. LITERATURE REVIEW: GAPS ON THE SHELF?: This section reviews existing scholarly and religious literature, highlighting the scarcity of evangelical perspectives on the European integration project.

4. METHODOLOGY: FINDING THE CATEGORIES.: This chapter details the qualitative approach used, including interviews and questionnaire analysis to categorize evangelical viewpoints.

5. RESEARCH FINDINGS: FACING REALITIES.: This chapter presents the data gathered from interviews and questionnaires, detailing the dominant perceptions and factors shaping them.

6. RECOMMENDATIONS: RECOVERING A LEGACY.: This chapter offers concrete proposals for fostering a biblical public theology and training leaders for effective socio-political engagement.

7. CONCLUSIONS: BACK TO THE BIBLE.: This chapter synthesizes the research findings, reaffirming the call for a biblically-informed and active engagement with the future of Europe.

Keywords

Evangelicalism, European integration, Public Theology, Missio Dei, European Union, Politics, Biblical mandate, Christian ethics, Social engagement, Sovereignty, Reconciliation, Agnotology, Lausanne Covenant, Church and State, Cultural apologetic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this dissertation?

The dissertation focuses on the historical and contemporary lack of evangelical engagement with the project of European integration and the reasons behind this detachment.

What are the central themes discussed in the work?

Key themes include the biblical basis for public theology, the history of evangelical political involvement, the influence of popular eschatology on political views, and the need for educational reform within theological institutions.

What is the primary research goal or question?

The goal is to determine how Evangelicals have viewed European integration over the last seven decades and to identify the factors that have informed these perspectives, ultimately seeking to overcome a "neglected field" of public engagement.

Which scientific methods were employed?

The study utilizes a qualitative, hermeneutical methodology. It employs data triangulation through semi-structured interviews with 20 evangelical leaders, a questionnaire involving 25 respondents, and an analysis of existing literature and online resources.

What topics are covered in the main section of the paper?

The main sections cover the broader historical context of evangelicalism in Europe, a literature review of theological responses to integration, an analysis of empirical research findings, and specific recommendations for future engagement.

Which keywords characterize this research?

Core keywords include Evangelicalism, European integration, Public Theology, Missio Dei, political responsibility, and biblical narrative.

What role does the concept of 'Modern Babylon' play in evangelical views?

The study finds that some older or more fundamentalist evangelical circles view the European Union as the "Modern Babylon," often associating it with dispensationalist prophecies concerning the Antichrist and the end times.

How does the author propose to remedy the identified 'neglect' of public theology?

The author recommends the recovery of a holistic biblical missiology, the development of specific master's programmes in public theology and European studies, and the critical study of agnotology to combat misinformation.