Abstract

Christianity shaped Europe and Europe shaped Christianity until the Enlightenment broke of from earlier institutions and dogmas. Was this to eliminate them or to bring them to a better realization? The relationship of Modernity to Christianity has been interpreted in different ways: as an alternative. as a better realization or as a secularized continuation. Looking to the future, can Christianity exist without Europe, an can Europe exist without Chistianity? After listing what are the values and undeniable achievements of Christianity, without wich Europe would cease to be what it has been, the author highlights the contribution of Christianity to a new use of reason, and he concludes with a reflection on the relationship between Christianity and his-tory (continuity-innovation, sinking-rebirth)