Changes

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"/>

The formation of the Idea of Progress began during the [[Enlightenment|Enlightenment Era]], during the 1700s, through the seeds of this theory could be seen in philosophical writings from the 1600s.<ref name="Lange"/><ref name="Encyclopedia">[http://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/progress-idea Progress, the Idea of]. ''Encyclopedia.com'' (from the ''Encyclopedia of Philosophy''). 2006. Retrieved December 25, 2017.</ref> These philosophers were inspired by the achievements of the [[Scientific Revolution]] and believed that the progress seen in scientific advancements could be applied in other fields such as the social or moral realm.<ref name="Encyclopedia"/> These philosophers, unsurprisingly, took an optimistic and positive view of humanity.<ref name="Lange"/> The idea of progress was promoted by philosophers such as [[Immanuel Kant]], [[G. W. F. Hegel]], [[Karl Marx]], [[Auguste Comte]], [[John Stuart Mill]],<ref name="Lange"/><ref name="Encyclopedia"/> and other thinkers involved in the radical strain of [[Enlightenment]] philosophy, such as the Marquis de Condorcet. de Condorcet argued that all human problems were on the verge of annihilation due to "the development of a new doctrine which is to deliver the final blow to the already tottering structure of prejudice." This doctrine, according to Condorcet, "is the idea of the limitless perfectibility of the human species." In ''Sketch for a Historical Picture of the Progress of the Human Spirit'', the Marquis paints a progressive picture of a history that is moving "forward" away from the dogmas of tradition and superstition thanks to the advent of modern reason and science.  

The formation of the Idea of Progress began during the [[Enlightenment|Enlightenment Era]], during the 1700s, through the seeds of this theory could be seen in philosophical writings from the 1600s.<ref name="Lange"/><ref name="Encyclopedia">[http://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/progress-idea Progress, the Idea of]. ''Encyclopedia.com'' (from the ''Encyclopedia of Philosophy''). 2006. Retrieved December 25, 2017.</ref> These philosophers were inspired by the achievements of the [[Scientific Revolution]] and believed that the progress seen in scientific advancements could be applied in other fields such as the social or moral realm.<ref name="Encyclopedia"/> These philosophers, unsurprisingly, took an optimistic and positive view of humanity.<ref name="Lange"/> The idea of progress was promoted by philosophers such as [[Immanuel Kant]], [[G. W. F. Hegel]], [[Karl Marx]], [[Auguste Comte]], [[John Stuart Mill]],<ref name="Lange"/><ref name="Encyclopedia"/> and other thinkers involved in the radical strain of [[Enlightenment]] philosophy, such as the Marquis de Condorcet. de Condorcet argued that all human problems were on the verge of annihilation due to "the development of a new doctrine which is to deliver the final blow to the already tottering structure of prejudice."

 

This doctrine, according to Condorcet, "is the idea of the limitless perfectibility of the human species." In ''Sketch for a Historical Picture of the Progress of the Human Spirit'', the Marquis paints a progressive picture of a history that is moving "forward" away from the dogmas of tradition and superstition thanks to the advent of modern reason and science. As noted by Marxist historian Eric Hobsbawm, in the Enlightenment "All progressive, rationalist and humanist ideologies are implicit in it and indeed come out of it."<ref>The Age of Revolution: Europe 1789–1848, page 22, paragraph 1</ref>

Events in the 20th century, such as [[World War I]], [[World War II]], the [[Holocaust]], and the development of [[nuclear weapon]]s, shook the belief in the idea of progress, leading many philosophers to either moderate their support for or to reject the Idea of Progress.<ref name="Lange"/><ref name="Encyclopedia"/>

Events in the 20th century, such as [[World War I]], [[World War II]], the [[Holocaust]], and the development of [[nuclear weapon]]s, shook the belief in the idea of progress, leading many philosophers to either moderate their support for or to reject the Idea of Progress.<ref name="Lange"/><ref name="Encyclopedia"/>

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.

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. Jesus Himself stated that "poor you will always have with you" (Matthew 26:11; Mark 14:7, NIV). While Jesus's statement does not diminish the obligation for Christians to care for the needy, it shows that human efforts to eradicate poverty will end in failure.

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. Jesus Himself stated that "poor you will always have with you" (Matthew 26:11; Mark 14:7, NIV). While Jesus's statement does not diminish the obligation for Christians to care for the needy, it shows that human efforts to eradicate poverty will end in failure. Additionally, the exclusionary nature of Christianity is "exclusionary" – including, but not limited to, its claim that faith in Jesus is the only way to Heaven – is antithetical to the universal values and policies that accompany the Idea of Progress.<ref>Duke, Selwyn (December 1, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/faith-and-morals/item/34193-intellectual-dark-web-professor-says-christianity-contrary-to-values-needed-to-govern-earth Intellectual Dark Web Professor Says Christianity Contrary to Values Needed to “Govern” Earth]. ''The New American''. Retrieved December 1, 2019.</ref>

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.

Thus, biblical teaching states that, contrary to the Idea of Progress, all of humanity is hopelessly corrupted minus salvation through Christ, and that it will remain that way until the second coming of Christ.

==Other arguments against the Idea of Progress==

==Other arguments against the Idea of Progress==

==Further reading==

==Further reading==

*Murray, William J. (2016). ''[https://www.amazon.com/Utopian-Road-Hell-Enslaving-Planning/dp/1944229086/ Utopian Road to Hell: Enslaving America and the World With Central Planning]''. Washington, D.C.: WND Books. ISBN: 978-1-944229-08-5.

*Murray, William J. (2016). ''[https://www.amazon.com/Utopian-Road-Hell-Enslaving-Planning/dp/1944229086/ Utopian Road to Hell: Enslaving America and the World With Central Planning]''. Washington, D.C.: WND Books. ISBN: 978-1-944229-08-5.

==References==

==References==

[[Category:Philosophical Systems]]

[[Category:Philosophical Systems]]

[[Category:Worldviews]]

[[Category:Worldviews]]

[[Category:Philosophy and Religion]]

[[Category:Philosophy]]

[[Category:Religion]]

[[Category:Liberalism]]

[[Category:Liberalism]]

[[Category:Globalism]]

[[Category:Globalism]]

[[Category:Progressivism]]

[[Category:Progressivism]]

[[Category:Liberal Falsehoods]]

[[Category:Liberal Falsehoods]]