Stop the intolerance

Put the crucifix back in the classroom


The debate about Europe’s alleged narrow mindedness has got out of hand yet again. Over and over we western Europeans are wrongly accused of being intolerant, racist and unable to accept other views than our own. Nothing is more wrong, but when a lie is repeated often enough it suddenly is elevated to gospel truth.
That must have been the thinking behind the European Court of Human Rights’ recent judgement that all crucifixes should be removed from public schoolrooms in Italy. It’s hard to fathom the reason why, since no one in Italy is forced to subscribe to any particular faith.
The crucifix is a symbol of the faith that is after all has deep roots amongst Italians, which makes it an intrinsic part of the country’s culture and history.
But, the Court of Human Rights cares so little for that fact that the now-banned crucifix could be just the first symbol to fall in an effort to cleanse Europe of anything even slightly evocative of Christianity. The Nordic flags with their crosses are a good place to continue. And while we are at it, we can trash the Christmas tree, Christmas carols and public holidays that were originally church holydays.
What we’re left with is a stripped-down, divided society where no one can speak say, think or believe anything, since simply hinting that you have an opinion could be discriminatory towards someone who doesn’t agree with you.This is a case of misguided goodness and intolerance. It is madness, it is out of control, and it is time we put a stop to it. The threat is so serious for the European identity that the issue ought to serve as a common cause for politicians on both sides of the political spectrum in Denmark and abroad. Forget about rising nationalism and Islamophobia. If Europe is to remain a tolerant place with room for all sorts of people and ideas, then the first thing we need to do is accept our own roots.
The crucifix, in other words, needs to be put back into the classroom as a constant reminder of our culture. The chances of that happening are slim though. Christianity is under such violent assault that Christians are right to ask what we’ve done to deserve it. The answer is nothing. The reason for the criticism is common ignorance. It’s not the Christians that let the sick suffer, fail to show respect for women or pretend that terrorism is the only answer to some questions.
It’s not Christianity that is a problem for the world. That’s a message that should be shouted from the rooftops. And Europe’s heads of state need to step up and make clear that Europe is built on certain indisputable values. The importance of Christianity is evident in these values. If we’re not going to cast ourselves and following generations out with the bathwater then we need to stand up and demand the return of common sense, freedom and fellowship to Europe.
The author is a journalist and author.