Happy anniversary to Prince William and Kate.
Back in 2010, we hoped that their wedding would serve as a revival of marriage in Europe. Today, we hope that their beautiful kids put having babies on the European "to do list".
Unfortunately, Europe is a very different continent than the one that saw Diana and Prince Charles get married in back in 1981.
First, "birth rates" are insufficient to maintain population: The EU's baby blues---Birth rates in the European Union are falling fast.
Why do "having babies" matter? Babies are the future! You can't maintain your population, and culture, without babies carrying your name, traditions and identity.
Second, marriage is also undergoing a huge crisis across the ocean:
Third, the churches are empty: Religion takes a back seat in Western Europe.
It's sad to see how Europe has changed.
Let's hope that the royal couple puts marriage and babies back in style!
The Europeans need to rediscover religion, get married and have babies or we won't recognize the land of our grandparents.
About 10 years ago, George Weigel wrote about Europe and its demographic problems.
Unfortunately, Europe is a very different continent than the one that saw Diana and Prince Charles get married in back in 1981.
First, "birth rates" are insufficient to maintain population: The EU's baby blues---Birth rates in the European Union are falling fast.
Why do "having babies" matter? Babies are the future! You can't maintain your population, and culture, without babies carrying your name, traditions and identity.
Second, marriage is also undergoing a huge crisis across the ocean:
"Marriage is in decline across much of northern Europe, from Scandinavia to France, a pattern some sociologists describe as a "soft revolution" in European society -- a generational shift away from Old World traditions and institutions toward a greater emphasis on personal independence." (Washington Post)Why does marriage matter? It is the central institution in a society. It is the foundation of the family unit.
Third, the churches are empty: Religion takes a back seat in Western Europe.
It's sad to see how Europe has changed.
Let's hope that the royal couple puts marriage and babies back in style!
The Europeans need to rediscover religion, get married and have babies or we won't recognize the land of our grandparents.
About 10 years ago, George Weigel wrote about Europe and its demographic problems.
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