ABSTRACT
The crisis is multi-dimensional, both in Europe and elsewhere - an equation with many variables, where besides economic factors social, cultural, psychological, behavioural and even spiritual aspects play important roles. The experience of decline and crisis grew particularly pronounced in the twentieth century with the emergence of post-modernism or at least the view that, although there is clearly some development in certain areas, this growth also has dangerous, destructive and unforeseen consequences. A further symptom of a historical shift might be that several outstanding philosophers and writers of the twentieth century talk about a profound spiritual crisis. A further factor which causes contemporary man to become increasingly lonely is the progress of the secular, which has been on the advance for hundreds of years. Despite all of its grand achievements, even the scientific revolution causes difficulty. The reason for this is that, as the myths, beliefs and misconceptions which were once used to interpret the world are now becoming dispersed.
