So whats the real problem with Europe?

Whats the problem with Europe. American Christians tend to think its Islam. Western European Christians may think its secularism. Other Europeans see it from their perspective as they continue a centuries old struggle against a fierce form of Catholicism or Orthodoxy. So what is it?

Our struggle to adapt to pluralism. Europe is changing, and we all need to adapt. We just don't know how. Some see secularism as an answer, and this can become a harsh: stuff all religions approach. Others try to hold on to the dominance of a particular Christian denomination, and this approach has often been as brutal to other Christian expressions and religions as secularism has been. Still others are trying gamely to give everyone the same rights, responsibilities and respect, but most of us whatever we say, don't really want equality. Some of us see it as a step back from what we're used to. And in any case all of us want to be treated differently, specially, because....
We are sinful. At heart Christians are as self seeking, unreliable and devious as Muslims and secularists. We can't build utopia in Europe. We can't even get our own churches right. And that's the third problem...
The church. If historically we hadn't been so hypocritical and so harsh, perhaps we'd have more sympathy now. If now we could love one another, perhaps we'd have a better chance of loving Europe. I recognise the church has done and continues to do so much good, but sadly this has often been the exception rather than the rule. We tend to get angered or alarmed, more than moved with compassion. We're more focused on our rights, our lifestyles, than the lost-ness of those we're called to reach.

So what's the answer for Europe. My gut feeling is that we're more likely to win the argument for Christ by the way we love the refugee from North Africa or Middle East, than by great court room victories for our religious liberties. But for that, we need to be less of a church on a hill lording it above everyone else, and more the church right in the heart of the mess or to mix my metaphors, the church on the edge, taking risks, because love is risky, messy, and ultimately the only thing which will prevail. Europe today is no more secular or antagonistic to evangelicalism than it was in Paul's day. But the church's confidence in the gospel, love for people and sacrifice in the face of persecution won the day. And it can again.