THE ROLE OF CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY IN SHAPING THE EUROPEAN CIVILIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK

Abstract

The impact of Christian theology on the European civilizational framework is profound and enduring. From the fall of the Roman Empire to the present-day political and cultural institutions in Europe, Christian teachings have had a central role in shaping societal values, laws, and governance structures. This paper investigates how Christian theology contributed to the formation of key European ideals such as human rights, justice, and ethical governance. The study explores the theological foundations of the concept of the individual, community, and the Church's role in the development of European political thought. Furthermore, it highlights the tension between religious and secular ideologies that arose during the Enlightenment, as well as the continued influence of Christianity on European identity. This paper argues that while European civilization has experienced significant secularization, the Christian theological legacy remains embedded in its cultural and institutional fabric.