The failure of Christianity in the areas west from Sicily was even greater, and was increased by the spread of Arab outlooks and influence to that area, and especially to Spain.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Christianity in the Middle East is shattered. The ancient faith tradition lies beaten, broken, and dying.
To this day the Arab influence is evident in southern Italy, northern Africa and, above all, in Spain.
To be brutally frank, I mean Christianity is dying in Europe, and Islam is on the rise.
Christianity emerged from the religion of Israel. Or rather, it has as its background a persistent strain in that religion. To that strain Christians have looked back, and rightly, as the preparation in history for their faith.
For Europe, the fall of Communism has to be taken into account, and the fact that in the fight against Communism the recovery of Europe's Christian roots was the driving force.
The increased presence of Muslims in Italy and in Europe is directly proportional to our loss of freedom.
The Gospel having spread itself into Persia, the pagan priests, who worshipped the sun, were greatly alarmed, and dreaded the loss of that influence they had hitherto maintained over the people's minds and properties.
Ever since the Crusades, when Christians from western Europe were fighting holy wars against Muslims in the near east, western people have often perceived Islam as a violent and intolerant faith - even though when this prejudice took root Islam had a better record of tolerance than Christianity.
The revival of Islam dates from the early years of the 20th century. It was brought about by their humiliation, by their sense of how low they'd fallen compared with the West.
Europe and European identity is rooted in Christianity.