Berkley Center

Religion catalyzes political change. Acting as an architect of development, it provides an axis for national interaction and vector for modernization. Over the past month, I have observed this trend throughout Europe during my semester overseas at King’s College London. Both in my host country of England, and in those places I have visited, I have sensed a distinct correlation between a country'’s contemporary political system and its religious history. The incorporation or decline of religion has truly effected change in the political makeup, national character, and socioeconomic structure throughout the continent. Religion is a unique ingredient of change that has created distinct development tracks in a European context.

England best illustrates this junction between religion, politics, and dramatic change. Before studying and living here, I never fully realized the true complexity of the religion in the English system. However, while on a trip to Hampton Court Palace, one of King Henry VIII'’s royal residences, I began to understand this intersection and its enduring consequences. Articulated by the crown and supported by Parliament, Henry VIII broke England’'s ties with the Roman Catholic Church. Between 1533 and 1534 there was a noted departure from the ideologies of Rome and the birth of the Church of England. The split fueled new political identities and gave birth to a modern English social system. Even if Henry’'s intentions were self-serving, they produced long-term repercussions on a national scale. The movement from a Catholic society to a Protestant state influenced not only personal worship but also the entire political and economic makeup of England. The pope no longer dominated politics or held vast tracks of land in the English countryside. Instead power was placed in the hands of the people (mainly the gentry who assumed control over the previously monastic lands). England offers a prime example of how religious upheaval sparked political transformation and led to eventual modernization.

This model is easily applied throughout Europe. While traveling in Iceland earlier this semester, I observed similar circumstances to sixteenth century England. There, religious turmoil and regional change helped to transform the political landscape of the island nation. While Iceland is isolated by the vast Atlantic Ocean, religious interaction led to political development, expansion of secular power, and inspired national progress. During my visit to Reykjavik, I had the opportunity to examine the country'’s history at the National Museum of Iceland. While quite small, the museum dedicates almost half of its exhibition space to Iceland'’s Christian revolution, underlining its importance in the country'’s political and social development. During the transition, Iceland’'s traditional faiths were suppressed as a new ideology was injected into the national fabric, similar to the situation in England. With the religious conversion came systematic changes. Protestantism provided opportunities for personal development such as a strong work ethic and moral purpose for the people of Iceland. In addition, it offered practical opportunities throughout the country, including expanded education as well as social and political incorporation. In this way, the Christianization of Iceland left a permanent and pivotal mark on the country'’s character.

England and Iceland’'s histories are not unique. As I continue to hop across the continent I know I will experience similar stories of religious change bringing about national political repercussions. From Rome to London to Reykjavik, religion in Europe created (and continues to create) historic changes that developed into systemic political consequences. There is a definitive connection and an inescapable interplay between the two.