What is progressivism?

Answer

Progressivism is a multifaceted philosophy advocating progress and change, as opposed to maintaining the status quo. Progressives strive for improved conditions, implement what they view as enlightened ideas, and experiment with new methods to drive change. In politics and religion, progressivism is often referred to as “liberalism.”

The roots of progressivism can be traced back to Western Europe during the Age of Enlightenment. It was believed that advancements in science, economics, and technology would enhance the human condition. The acquisition of empirical knowledge was considered essential for a progressive society. Sociology identifies five key concepts or values that contributed to progressivism in Western Europe: appreciation of history, recognition of the greatness of Western thought and civilization, emphasis on economic and technological advancement, recognition of the value of life on earth, and reliance on reason and scholarly/scientific knowledge.

A significant driving force behind progressivism is the pursuit of social justice and equality, which progressives see as a move away from barbarism. Progressivism can have both positive and negative impacts. It has played a role in ending child labor, promoting free education, and reforming prisons. However, it has also been associated with modernism, radical feminism, abortion rights, and the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Change does not always equate to progress, and what is labeled as “progress” may actually be a step backward.

Central to the philosophy of progressivism is the belief that humanity has an innate drive for progress; a desire to advance, learn, and better oneself. It is believed that when not constrained by oppressive systems, individuals will continue to evolve, grow, and enhance themselves.

The Bible aligns with the notion that humans are inherently progressive beings, created with a thirst for knowledge and a drive to expand their understanding and better themselves.

Satan’s temptation in the Garden of Eden is the initial evidence. Satan informed Eve that if she ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, she would become like God, with her eyes opened to knowledge. Satan portrayed God as the “oppressor,” hindering man from reaching his full potential (Genesis 3:1-5). This temptation would not have succeeded if man had not been a progressive being. Eve’s mistake was attempting to elevate herself through disobedience to God’s command.

Another instance of humanity’s inclination toward progress is evident in the narrative of the Tower of Babel. Following the flood, humanity endeavored to construct a tower to reach heaven, prompting God to say, “Behold, they are one people, and they all have one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them” «And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. », (Genesis 11:5). Once again, humanity sought progress through disobedience to God’s command, illustrating that progressivism, disregarding God’s law, leads astray. God intervened by confusing human language to thwart man’s arrogant pursuit, halting their monument to “social progress” «Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. », (Genesis 11:7).

Since mankind is created in the image of God «So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. », (Genesis 1:27), we possess the desire and ability to create what is progressively good and beneficial. However, due to our fallen, sinful nature, we also have the inclination to

Create what is progressively evil and harmful, see Genesis 6:5. We have an insatiable appetite for more knowledge as a result of eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and that is our lasting legacy.

Throughout history, God has been mercifully keeping us from fully realizing that legacy. He has worked in many unseen ways and in a few that we can see: by confusing man’s language at the Tower of Babel, by providing the Law for a definition of sin and an understanding of punishment (Exodus 20), and by providing the Holy Spirit as a guide, dwelling in those who have faith in Christ “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”, (John 14:26).

Political progressives push for socio-political change, and their interpretation of the Constitution is broad and loose. In the same way, modern religious progressives push for change within the church, and their interpretation of Scripture is just as broad and loose. Many ignore large portions of the Bible in favor of a “social gospel,” a “historical Jesus,” or “gay churches.” The problem with religious progressivism is that God’s Word does not change: “Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens” “For ever, O LORD, Thy word Is settled in heaven.”, (Psalm 119:89).

Progress can be good or bad, depending on the direction it’s headed. Becoming progressively godly is good: “The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day” “But the path of the just is as the shining light, That shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”, (Proverbs 4:18). Becoming progressively un

Evil is bad: “Evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” «But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. », (2 Timothy 3:13). Left to himself, man’s tendency is to slip further downhill; thankfully, the Holy Spirit slows down that negative progressivism: “For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way” «For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. », (2 Thessalonians 2:7). When the Antichrist is revealed, “he will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and,” quite progressively, “try to change the set times and the laws” «And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. », (Daniel 7:25).