I want to draw your attention to a splendid lecture given at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome on December 12, 2011, by Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. It was titled: Has Europe Lost Its Soul?
I have yet to completely digest it myself. When I do, I want to substantially post on it here at Catholic Faith and Reflections so more will be forthcoming on this.
What I have read to this point is fascinating, going to the core of the interface between religious values, economics, social development and social justice.
Here is a link for you to access the lecture:
www.catholiceducation.org/articles/social_justice/sj0255.htm
(I want to thank Deacon Justin Green from Winona to alerting me to this.)