Changes

A “revolution” is itself a controversial idea, and has little or no basis in Christianity.  The ancient Greeks were entirely opposed to the idea of a revolution, and thought it occurred only when the morality and religious values of a society had decayed.  In the Middle Ages, revolution was unknown and armed revolt against one’s society was unacceptable.  Religious authority was strong and social order was desired.  Armed revolt by Christians against their government leaders did not occur in ancient Rome, when the emperors were as cruel as possible, and such revolts remained rare or non-existent for over 1600 years.  It was not until the early 1700s that the English language developed the word “revolution” to mean an armed overthrow of a government.

A “revolution” is itself a controversial idea, and has little or no basis in Christianity.  The ancient Greeks were entirely opposed to the idea of a revolution, and thought it occurred only when the morality and religious values of a society had decayed.  In the Middle Ages, revolution was unknown and armed revolt against one’s society was unacceptable.  Religious authority was strong and social order was desired.  Armed revolt by Christians against their government leaders did not occur in ancient Rome, when the emperors were as cruel as possible, and such revolts remained rare or non-existent for over 1600 years.  It was not until the early 1700s that the English language developed the word “revolution” to mean an armed overthrow of a government.

Historians credit Machiavelli as being the first thinker to lay the intellectual foundation for revolutions, though he never used the term.  His work did indicate the need for change in the structure of government, and he expressed concern with maintaining stability.  The English poet and writer John Milton (1608-74) was the first to express the desirability of revolution to overthrow a tyrant or abusive dictator, and thereby achieve freedom for the people.  Milton’s view differed from Englishman Thomas Hobbes, who wrote in the Leviathan (1651) that people were inherently greedy and cruel, and that we needed an absolute monarchy to restrain our worst desires.   

Historians credit Machiavelli as being the first thinker to lay the intellectual foundation for revolutions, though he never used the term.  His work did indicate the need for change in the structure of government, and he expressed concern with maintaining stability.  The English poet and writer John Milton (1608-74) was the first to express the desirability of revolution to overthrow a tyrant or abusive dictator, and thereby achieve freedom for the people.  Milton’s view differed from Englishman Thomas Hobbes, who wrote in the ''Leviathan'' (1651) that people were inherently greedy and cruel, and that we needed an absolute monarchy to restrain our worst desires.   

The German philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) later wrote that revolution was a “natural” step towards mankind reaching a higher ethical value system.  The American and French Revolutions drew upon Kant’s ideas.

The German philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) later wrote that revolution was a “natural” step towards mankind reaching a higher ethical value system.  The American and French Revolutions drew upon Kant’s ideas.

Subsequently another German philosopher, G.W.F. Hegel (1770-1831), insisted that revolutions were essential to human destiny, and that revolutionary leaders were heroes in promoting reform.  Karl Marx, the most influential supporter of revolutions in world history, then drew upon Hegel’s ideas in order to promote future communist revolutions.

Subsequently another German philosopher, G.W.F. Hegel (1770-1831), insisted that revolutions were essential to human destiny, and that revolutionary leaders were heroes in promoting reform.  Karl Marx, the most influential supporter of revolutions in world history, then drew upon Hegel’s ideas in order to promote future communist revolutions.

Revolutions continue even to this day.  The most famous revolution in recent history was the Islamic Shiite revolution that overthrew the Shah of Iran and took control of that country in 1979, and holding American diplomats hostage for about a year.

Revolutions continue even to this day.  The most famous revolution in recent history was the Islamic Shiite revolution that overthrew the Shah of Iran and took control of that country in 1979, and held American diplomats hostage for about a year.

   

   

===America===

===America===