Religious Identity and the Gospel of Reconciliation A Central European View

Abstract

AbstractReligion and religious identities have stronghold in the people's life and identity in Central and Eastern Europe. After the collapse of communism and with the disintegration of the previous unifying systems, societies entered modernity swiftly which include the process of individualization and self determination. All these led to fundamental identity crisis. With its promise of coherent values, religion has become a strong force. The social impact of different religious groups, Catholic, Orthodox, Protestants, and Islam are different. Reconciliation has to begin with the healing of the wounded identities. It has to begin with the recognition of one's sinfulness and the effort to overcome it through dependence in God.