Public Prayer and the New Political Misuse of Religion within Western Christianity in Central Europe

Abstract

The following text conducts a conceptual analysis of new misuses of religion forpolitical purposes within Western Christianity in Central Europe. The primaryobjective is to present a conceptual understanding and analysis of this phenomenon,considering both quantitative and qualitative research already conducted.The analysis reveals a paradox wherein the misuse is deemed both unsuccessfuland successful. The paradox unfolds as unsuccessful predominantly amongthe majority of Christians in Europe, especially when compared to its successfulcounterparts in Orthodox Christianity (e.g., in Russia) and Islam (in Europe).Notably, the success of misuse is more pronounced among Central and EasternEuropean Christians than among Western European Christians. Numerousexceptions contribute to this paradox, including a positive correlation betweenChristians and far–right parties, and instances of public prayer at state borders,town squares, and near abortion clinics. This pattern is particularly pronouncedin regions with a higher prevalence of Roman Catholics than Protestants. Theauthor presents a basic explication of why these misuses appear or are attempted,and are only minimally or mildly successful, namely, because of the strong posedby democracy, free market, and rule of law.