Religion Has Been a Controversial, Almost Political

Religion has been a controversial, almost political matter since its invention. In fact, modern religion was considered as a form or means of civilization. This is clearly seen from many colonization stories where colonialists urged the natives to abandon their ways of worship and embrace the 'civilized ones'. Europe was one of the modern civilizations where it gave Christianity emerged. The clergy used to work closely with kings in passing of judgment and Popes crowned kings. The entire title of Europe being secular is ironic in a number of ways. Firstly, the article states that Europe does not place much attention to religion affecting public life. This is ironic because Europe itself used to execute civilians who did not conform to the ways of the church. Currently, we see a Europe with a diminishing trend in terms of religious practices. If such continues, the region is taking a direction of declaring the religion and public life relationship as almost extinct. In fact, the founders of religion itself are dumping it (Pew Research Center, 2005).

In the olden days-or maybe not so long ago when Galileo declared that the earth was a sphere, he was excommunicated from the church. The statement at the time appeared controversial, although it was hard to establish the extent at which his proclamation was against all the teachings of the church. In his speech, Peter Berger states a finding that contradicts all the ways of the early church. He says that modernity, which was greatly suppressed during Galileo's time, is the most favored nation in Europe in recent times. Europe has embraced modernity that has led to the rampant spread of secularization (Pew Research Center, 2005).

The other contrasting and ironic factor about modern European religion is its practice, which is considered as a 'patchwork'. Central and western Europe have a system where the 'patchwork 'religion is practiced privately in peoples' homes especially in basements. This is completely different from the old religion that brought people together.

Q2. Perspective

Europe's social welfare system is larger and more inclusive compared to the American one. In the areas mentioned in the secularization in Europe, the most emphasized is Western Europe. This region is going through a post-communist welfare transition. In countries like Poland and the Czech Republic, the state cannot provide money even for necessities: many people are deprived the essential requirements for survival. The migration and search for stability makes matters like religion almost redundant among the victims. People are seeking for solace in places where they consider being safe, and matters of religion will come later (Pew Research Center, 2005).

In a country like Germany, where conservative welfare is practiced, the welfare system encourages equality. People take care of each other while the government facilitates them by providing a subsidized from of living. Religion is considered as a certain form of zealotry and a major driver for secularism. Such western countries have merged religion and militancy. Through this, they are able to avoid the occurrence of previous injustices related to religion. In fact, they live in religious oblivion and as conserved units avoiding extreme religious groups that may act as factors separating them (Pew Research Center, 2005).