The future & our cultural heritage

At its most basic level, it is about nations forming alliances of trade and political agreement, based upon shared mores and values which have traditionally formed the core of European societies.

The practical functioning of the European ideal is the work of intra-national bureaucracies and national governments.

But the glue which holds the union together is, at least in theory, more about culture than politics or economics.

That's why Turkey's admission to the EU is such an issue of hot debate right now. Some authorities seem unsure that Turkish society embodies the cultural values which will allow it to fit easily into the European family.

It is a mistake to think of culture as merely a product of social, political or economic factors. The very root of the word culture reflects the spiritual aspect of national identity.

At its root, the word 'cult' refers to the religious practice and spiritual identity of a people.

Europe may add members to its club, but it's hard to see Europe becoming more homogenous without a renewal of spiritual energy, a return to some sense of spiritual identity. Spirituality has fuelled the development of Europe's cultures for centuries.

Yes, religion has most certainly contributed more than its fair share of conflicts and heartache; but true spirituality of the kind represented, say, by the teachings of Christ, has nothing to do with taking territorial by conquest.

In fact, it is characterised by the exact opposite of political ambition -- that is, an attitude of servanthood and cooperation, in place of mastery and competition.

Europe may never again be called 'Christian' in the way that it was four or five centuries ago -- and that may not be a bad thing.

Better, I think, to see a genuine spiritual renewal which affects individual people, families and relationships than a return to institutionalised religion which puts dogma above people.

Europe does not need any more institutionalisation - in religion or anywhere else.

But a recognition of its spiritual heritage and the human and faith values on which Europe's cultures have thrived for centuries, could only help to bring a greater sense of unity in diversity and a passion for a common destiny.