Is Europe (still) true to its Christian roots?

In recent months, as Europe and Slovenia have become increasingly aware of demographic shifts, questions and debates have emerged regarding the future of Western civilization. This civilization, which has consistently returned to its Christian identity, customs, and traditions despite various challenges, has long served as a foundation for societal stability. The stability it provides has enabled societies to develop and progress more effectively. A recent article by Davor Dijanović in the Croatian weekly Hrvatski tjednik, veritas vincit presents key ideas and thoughts from Raymond Ibrahim, an American-Coptic historian specializing in Islamic history, the position of Christians in the Middle East, and Muslim-Christian relations. One of Ibrahim’s main arguments centers around the crisis brought about by large-scale immigration of Muslims, which he links to a growing weakness in European identity and spirit. He attributes today's situation to the notion that Christianity has become purely personal rather than a significant part of public and cultural life. As such, Christianity loses its civilizational strength. Ibrahim also addresses Western political elites, whom he believes actively invite migrants into Europe through their policies. According to him, these migrants do not arrive on their own, but are encouraged and called by politicians who prioritize migration. In recent years, it has been clear that mass migration from diverse cultural backgrounds influences rising tensions and crime rates across Europe. Despite this, political strategies have not fundamentally changed. Ibrahim sees the primary culprit in the policies of Western nations rather than the Muslims themselves. He further notes that American public schools have historically taught that Christianity was a problem until the Enlightenment, which supposedly led to the advancement of modern society. In his view, traditional Christians represent the greatest obstacle to Western political elites aiming to change and build a new system of values. These elites, according to Ibrahim, collaborate with Muslims and provide them considerable support. This cooperation, he argues, is not solely due to admiration for Islam, but stems from opposition to traditional Christianity, which they see as their enemy and wish to eliminate. Ibrahim observes that many Muslims openly live and practice their religious lives, making them visible to others. He views this as a mirror reflecting the state of Western Christian civilization. He suggests that a certain number of young Christians return to their roots and identities partly because of the strong presence of Islamic faith. His thesis implies that active expression of one religion can inspire another to become more active in its practices. Interestingly, he notes that some young Western men are particularly drawn to Islam due to its clarity, discipline, and sense of true masculinity, which he believes has weakened in parts of the West. According to Ibrahim, the key to preserving the civilization known in Europe lies in returning to its Christian origins. Thus, the question of existence is not merely tied to migration policy but also to maintaining and strengthening Christian identity. His reflections conclude with the idea that a society moving away from its roots and identity gradually loses the ability to build its own future.