Europe going dark -- literally and spiritually

The latest report from the Global Drought Observatory says 47% of the continent is in “warning” conditions, meaning soil has dried up.” The report warns that the situation is worsening in countries including Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Romania, Hungary, northern Serbia, Ukraine, Moldova, Ireland, and the UK. The researchers’ stark warning follows rapidly-sinking river levels across Europe, which have exposed relics of the past — including so-called “hunger stones” warning of potential famine and the sunken remains of World War Two Nazi ships.” (Europe’s drought the worst in 500 years – report.)

Along with historic record heat and drought, Europe’s energy resources are drying up too. Russia is turning off the gas. Embracing Green Energy being pushed by the World Economic Forum, turning away from traditional sources while experiencing mass energy problems is throwing the Europeans into a panic, dimming the lights at major tourist destinations like the Eiffel Tower and London Bridge in desperation. Fear of a heat shortage this winter prompted emergency talks to free up funds by the European Union and protests are already starting. So an energy crisis in Europe, while at the same time, the massive push to all electric vehicles? Add a major conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with satellite countries fearing a spillover, is prompting Poland to arm up. (European ministers will hold an emergency meeting this month on measures to lower surging energy prices across the EU.)

I wonder if the fact that Christian Europe, which has been withering for some time, is now seeing and feeling the consequences of turning away from God and embracing the new secular, post-modern, technocratic systems. Along with the barren ground, some of which used to be holy ground, the faith of many has grown cold, drying up, and turning to dust. The abandonment of the faith has forced the closures of many churches and monasteries in recent years, turning them into secular spaces of work and amusement.