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==History of the idea==
==History of the idea==
[[File:Gfdyre.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Immanuel Kant]] is one of the philosophers who advocated for the idea of progress]]
[[File:Gfdyre.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Immanuel Kant]] is one of the philosophers who advocated for the idea of progress]]
Throughout history, most philosophers did not believe in any idea of progress, although some took various positions which mirrored aspects of the theory.<ref name="Lange"/> Philosophers such as [[Plato]] and [[Aristotle]] – who believed in a cyclical view of history – as well as the Christian philosopher [[Augustine]] – who believed in a linear view of history – held such positions despite never believing the theory.<ref name="Lange"/>
Throughout history, most philosophers did not believe in any idea of progress, although some took various positions which mirrored aspects of the theory.<ref name="Lange"/> Philosophers such as [[Plato]] and [[Aristotle]] – who believed in a cyclical view of history – as well as the Christian philosopher [[Augustine]] – who believed in a linear view of history – held such positions despite never believing the theory.<ref name="Lange"/>
==Liberalism, globalism, secularism, and progress==
==Liberalism, globalism, secularism, and progress==
[[File:European Union flag.png|thumb|250px|The European Union is an example of the Idea of Progress applied in modern society]]
[[File:European Union flag.png|thumb|200px|The European Union is an example of the Idea of Progress applied in modern society]]
[[File:European migrant crisis in Slovenia.jpg|thumb|200px|[[European migrant crisis]]]]
[[File:European migrant crisis in Slovenia.jpg|thumb|200px|[[European migrant crisis]]]]
While many philosophers have rethought their position on the Idea of Progress, most political leaders, as well as Western culture-at-large, has fully adopted the view that humanity is improving in the social, political, and moral sense. They reflect Kant's, Hegel's, and Marx's views that world peace and [[one-world government]] is within reach and that humanity must rid itself of any barriers to this desired [[utopia]], including anything that is "outdated."
While many philosophers have rethought their position on the Idea of Progress, most political leaders, as well as Western culture-at-large, has fully adopted the view that humanity is improving in the social, political, and moral sense. They reflect Kant's, Hegel's, and Marx's views that world peace and [[one-world government]] is within reach and that humanity must rid itself of any barriers to this desired [[utopia]], including anything that is "outdated."
==Comparison with biblical teaching==
==Comparison with biblical teaching==
The Idea of Progress is strongly contradicted by the [[Bible]], which argues against the notion that humanity is basically good and is progressing toward a better state.
According to biblical teaching, while God created the universe as perfect, including humanity (Genesis 1:31), due to Adam and Eve's decision to rebel against God, humanity, along with the entire universe, was cursed (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12, 8:20). Because of this, the state of humanity is hopelessly evil without the salvation provided through Jesus Christ. As God said to the prophet Jeremiah, "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick" (Jeremiah 17:9, ESV). King David stated that "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me" (Psalm 51:5, ESV). When promising never to send a global flood, God still noted that "the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth" (Genesis 8:21, ESV).
This emphasis on the depravity of humanity is also clearly noted in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul devotes much of the Book of Romans to explaining the human condition and the need for God's salvation. For example, he explains how evil all people are -- whether Jew or Gentile (Romans 3:9) -- and that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23, ESV). Not only is this the case, but Romans 8:7-8 makes clear that not only do unsaved people choose not to obey God, but they are literally unable to with their human strength.
While Salvation and freedom from this human condition is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-31), this does not mean the human condition is now improving. In fact, biblical teaching states that until the second coming of Christ – when everything will be made perfect again – humanity will further deteriorate. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 makes this very clear and notes the coming of the [[Antichrist]], who will come after the restraining force on Earth leaves and who will cause many to perish.
Thus, biblical teaching states that, contrary to the Idea of Progress, all of humanity is hopelessly corrupted and that it will remain that way until the second coming of Christ.
==Other arguments against the Idea of Progress==
==References==
==References==