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Losing Faith: Religion and Attitudes toward the European Union in Uncertain Times

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  • Brent F. Nelsen
  • James L. Guth

Abstract

This paper explores the changing role of religion in forming public attitudes toward integration. We first outline the complex relationship of religion to the development of the European Union, and then use the 2009 and 2014 European Parliamentary Election Studies to examine the changes taking place in those historic patterns. In 2009 traditional religious patterns persisted, with Catholics more positive toward the EU than Protestants, with religiosity reinforcing the respective tendencies. By 2014, however, traditional divisions had virtually disappeared, as the economic crisis (and perhaps the growing refugee problem) had a powerful effect on Catholic majorities in EU countries. Nevertheless, when economic and other assessments are accounted for, Catholic confessional culture still provides ‘deep’ support for the EU. Finally, we discover that EU expansion has not changed old religious patterns as much as we expected, but find those traditional relationships to be virtually absent among millennials.

Suggested Citation

  • Brent F. Nelsen & James L. Guth, 2020. "Losing Faith: Religion and Attitudes toward the European Union in Uncertain Times," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 58(4), pages 909-924, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jcmkts:v:58:y:2020:i:4:p:909-924
    DOI: 10.1111/jcms.12993
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Menon, Anand, 2012. "The Oxford Handbook of the European Union," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199546282 edited by Jones, Erik & Weatherill, Stephen.
    2. Eichenberg, Richard C. & Dalton, Russell J., 1993. "Europeans and the European Community: the dynamics of public support for European integration," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 47(4), pages 507-534, October.
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