PROGRESSIVISM HAS FAILED

Have you ever had the experience of loose ends eventually being connected?

Way back in 1973, I was a new student at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.  In my first semester, I was enrolled in a philosophy class with Dr. Harold Kuhn. 

Although I had an undergraduate degree in Religion/Philosophy, I remember feeling absolutely lost in this class.  For several weeks he insisted that we talk about ‘progressivism’.  He asked us if we believed in progressivism.  He wanted us to declare one way or the other and be able to defend our position.  I don’t think I was the only one who was confused by this incessant challenge.

It was clear that Dr. Kuhn felt this was a viable topic and worthy of our consideration as developing pastors. 

Vowing long ago to be a lifelong learner and continual reader, I recently purchased a book by a leading, current religious and biblical scholar – N. T. Wright.  I feel like I’m in philosophy class again. J

I’m a fourth of the way through the book and am enjoying it in spite of the challenging arguments that he raises and discusses.  He’s been addressing the belief that has been mixed with Christianity over the last century that mankind can raise itself up and establish a utopia. 

Read Wright’s perspective:  [p.88]

“The Platonist, the Hindu, and following Plato, the Gnostic, the Manichaean, and countless others within variants of the Christian and Jewish traditions all say that these are the signs that we are made for something quite different, a world not made of space, time, and matter, a world of pure spiritual existence where we shall happily have got rid of the shackles of mortality once and for all.”

On first reading, it sounds good and acceptable.

Except for places like Romans 8:18-25 or Revelation 21 and 22 [look them up if you need to]. 

This world and its physicality is not evil.  We are all on a journey that we are not in control of – including our world. 

Romans 8:22-25 [TM]

“All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it’s not only around us; it’s within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We’re also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.”

Take a good look around.  Our belief in human potential and progressivism have brought us – at least in America – almost to a point of anarchy and global doom. 

Sorry!  My intention is not to be pessimistic but redirecting.  Genuine believers know that we await something that is real!  A Heaven reinstituted here on a purged earth with glorified bodies like that of Christ’s after His resurrection.  It is not a figment of our imagination!  It is the fulfillment of God’s promise since the day Adam and Eve were barred from the Garden of Eden.  That garden still exists and will – at God’s command – be brought down to a renewed earth where His redeemed ones will enjoy life forever in His presence.

Progressivism has failed.  Hope reigns eternal. 

Dr. Kuhn saw this many years ago and tried to awaken us to a dangerous threat to human society.  Tonight, I finally got it! 

How about it?  "...the longer we wait...the more joyful our expectancy."  Right?  Don't you dare lose hope!!!!