Ally or Foe: Textual Evidence of the Changing Roles of Religion in Modern European History
By depatiea
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Period: to
Modern European History
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Religion State Formation: Peace of Munster
The following is an excerpt from the Peace of Munster, an important component of the Treaty of Westphalia, in which Spain and the Dutch Republic ended their war and the DR was recognized as an independent country. This was an incredibly important moment in European history due to its being one of the first instances of modern diplomacy between states being used to resolve conflicts and is known as "the Last Christian Peace." Found at http://www1.umassd.edu/euro/resources/dutchrep/14.pdf -
Religion and Absolutism: Bossuet Letter to Louis XIV 1675
Religion played an instrumental role in maintaining Absolutist rule throughout Europe. Through this letter from Bossuet to Louis XIV, readers can view the role that religious figures played in politics, by namely affirming the Divine Right of Kings.
This source found in: Princes and Peoples: France and the British Isles, 1620-1714 on Google Books (p. 214) -
Religion and Enlightenment Ideals: The Cult of the Supreme Being
In this address to the French National Convention in 1794, Robespierre advocates the adoption of a new Deism in France. This text is particularly significant in understanding shifts in the roles and perception of religion, as it represents a stark shift away from Christianity in a country that was historically very pious.
Found at http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/robespierre-supreme.asp -
Religion and Imperialism: Letter from King Leopold II of Belgium to Colonial Missionaries, 1883
The attached is a letter from King Leopold II to Colonial Missionaries, written in 1883. It is a monumentally important piece of correspondence, as it highlights two important factors driving imperialism: religious expansion and financial gain. As a matter of fact, this letter's main relevance comes from its explicit use of religion as a means of pursuing Belgian interests and weakening opposition.
Found at http://malema.byo24.com/index.php?id=iblog&iblog=473 -
Religion & Industrialization: QUOD APOSTOLICI MUNERIS
Religion's relationship with industrialization has been intriguing. On the one hand, religious figures have been criticized for ignoring the plight of workers, while on the others, religion-based organizations - such as the YMCA - were founded to help the working class. In this excerpt from his 1878 Encyclical, Pope Leo XIII heavily criticizes socialism and its critiques of the rich.
Source found at: http://www.ewtn.com/library/ENCYC/L13APOST.htm -
Religion and Communism: A Contribution to the Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right
Although this text by Marx was written in 1843, it is presented at this point - the day of the Bolshevik Revolution - due to the influence that is had in this movement. Marx' argument in this text is that religion is the opium of the peopke; a notion important in understanding Soviet attitudes towards religion. This perspective helped fuel the "conversion" of people from religion to state in the USSR. Found at http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1843/critique-hpr/intro.htm
