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The Treaty of Lisbon is, primarily, a constitutional and legal matter. However, the controversies during its drafting, on whether the names of God and of Christianity be included, also raise theological questions. So, too, does the fact that the movement for European integration arose out of Christian democratic ideals and that it has many links with Christian social teaching. These questions, as well as historical and legal aspects, are examined in the May-June issue of Doctrine & Life.
Doctrine & Life
May-June 2008
This edition examines topics touching on the referendum on The Treaty of Lisbon
What Has Lisbon to Do with Rome?
On Being a European Catholic
Julie Clague, of the theology faculty at the University of Glasgow, discusses points of contact between the founding values of European movement and Christian moral values. She analyses the controversies over whether a Constitution for Europe should mention God or Christianity, and whether integration is possible with countries which are not culturally Christian. She suggests that it is possible to have a way of being Church in which Christians learn to live side by side with those who are different.
Origins of European Integration:
Conspiracy, Mythology and Complexity?
Mervyn O’Driscoll, of the department of history at University College, Cork, tells the story of how the need to ensure peace in Europe after World War II fostered a new spirit of co-operation – a spirit that was deeply embedded in Christian democratic ideals.
The Treaty of Lisbon:
Just what is it all about?
Gavin Barrett, of the department of law at University College, Dublin, shows in detail what the proposed Treaty will not do, and what it will cover.
‘Mind Your Own Business!’
Anonymous Theology in the Treaty of Lisbon?
Jan Jans, a theologian at the University of Tilburg, examines the controversy on whether the name of God or of Christianity should be included in the text of the Treaty. He notes that the revelation of God’s name in Exodus required that Moses make it his business to liberate the people, and he addresses the possibility that a text may truly incorporate Christian thinking without stating so explicitly: hence the sub-title, ‘Anonymous Theology in the Treaty of Lisbon?’
How Can Catholics Contribute to the Building of Europe?
The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community bring a theological focus to questions prompted by the expansion of the European Union to include 27 member-states. They show how Catholic social teaching can be a possible inspiration for the construction of Europe.
€5.00 Purchase price & Postage for this issue.Contact Dominican Publications.
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