The Irish, The Church, and the End of The Special Relationship

The Best Catholics in the World: The Irish, the Church and the End of a Special Relationship

by Derek Scally

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3479 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	335 pages

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The special relationship between Ireland and the United States is one of the most enduring and important in the world. It is a relationship that has been built on shared values, common interests, and a deep sense of kinship. However, this relationship has not always been without its challenges. In recent years, the special relationship has been strained by a number of factors, including the Irish government's decision to legalize same-sex marriage, the US's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the Trump administration's decision to impose tariffs on European goods.

In his new book, The Irish, The Church, and the End of The Special Relationship, John Horgan argues that the special relationship between Ireland and the US is at a crossroads. He argues that the relationship has been damaged by a number of factors, including the decline of the Catholic Church in Ireland, the rise of secularism in the US, and the growing divergence of foreign policy priorities between the two countries.

Horgan's book is a timely and important contribution to the debate about the future of the special relationship. He provides a clear-eyed and nuanced analysis of the challenges facing the relationship and offers a number of recommendations for how to strengthen it.

The Decline of the Catholic Church in Ireland

The Catholic Church has been a central part of Irish society for centuries. However, in recent decades, the Church's influence in Ireland has declined significantly. This decline is due to a number of factors, including the sexual abuse scandals that have rocked the Church, the growing secularization of Irish society, and the changing demographics of Ireland.

The decline of the Catholic Church in Ireland has had a profound impact on the special relationship between Ireland and the US. For many years, the Catholic Church was a bridge between the two countries. It provided a shared sense of identity and values, and it helped to facilitate cooperation between the two governments. However, the decline of the Church has weakened this bridge, and it has made it more difficult for the two countries to find common ground.

The Rise of Secularism in the US

The United States is a secular country, and the separation of church and state is a fundamental principle of American law. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement in the US to promote Christian nationalism. This movement seeks to merge Christian and American values, and it has been embraced by many conservative politicians and voters.

The rise of Christian nationalism in the US has had a negative impact on the special relationship between Ireland and the US. Many Irish people are concerned that Christian nationalism is a threat to the separation of church and state in the US, and they fear that it could lead to discrimination against religious minorities. This concern has made it more difficult for the two countries to cooperate on issues of mutual interest.

The Growing Divergence of Foreign Policy Priorities

The foreign policy priorities of Ireland and the US have diverged in recent years. Ireland is a member of the European Union, and it has been a strong supporter of the EU's efforts to promote peace and stability in Europe. The US, on the other hand, has become more isolationist under the Trump administration. It has withdrawn from a number of international agreements, and it has imposed tariffs on goods from other countries.

The growing divergence of foreign policy priorities between Ireland and the US has made it more difficult for the two countries to cooperate on international issues. This divergence has also made it more difficult for the two countries to find common ground on other issues, such as trade and immigration.

Recommendations for Strengthening the Special Relationship

In his book, John Horgan offers a number of recommendations for how to strengthen the special relationship between Ireland and the US. These recommendations include:

• Increase dialogue and cooperation between the two countries on issues of mutual interest, such as trade, climate change, and security.
• Promote understanding and respect for each other's cultures and values.
• Support efforts to promote peace and stability in Europe and around the world.
• Reaffirm the commitment to the separation of church and state in both countries.

The special relationship between Ireland and the US is a valuable asset to both countries. It is a relationship that has been built on shared values, common interests, and a deep sense of kinship. However, this relationship is facing a number of challenges. In Free Download to strengthen the special relationship, it is important to address these challenges and to find ways to cooperate on issues of mutual interest.

The Best Catholics in the World: The Irish, the Church and the End of a Special Relationship

by Derek Scally

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3479 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	335 pages

FREE