The myth of progress

This mindset has fostered a strong belief that history is on a predetermined course, inevitably leading to a freer, open, liberal, and tolerant society. Many are convinced that this is simply the way things are meant to be and that we can’t—nor shouldn’t—stand in its way. In other words, the secular world has crafted its vision of the future, a vision that conflicts significantly with the Christian understanding of God’s plan to remake heaven and earth.

This way of thinking can be likened to “chronological snobbery”, leading to what we might call “eschatological snobbery,” where progress becomes the ultimate goal. The belief is that the world is headed in a specific direction, and our role is merely to jump on board and ride the wave of progress. Some of this secular idealism is fuelled by what is described as the “split-level universe”—the idea that God, if He exists at all, is somehow detached from the day-to-day workings of the world. Once God was moved “upstairs,” as it were, people began to feel that they were in charge of running things down below.

“This, then, is how you should pray: “ ’Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’

Matthew 6:9-10 NIV

This shift in thought occurred long before the scientific breakthroughs of the nineteenth century, notably Darwin’s theory of evolution, which suggested that species evolved over long periods. When Darwin’s ideas came to light, they were quickly embraced—not just to challenge the biblical account of creation—but to bolster the argument that the universe operates independently of any divine intervention. In many people’s minds, Darwin’s theories proved that God had been removed from the equation and that the possibility of divine involvement had been dismantled.

However, it’s important to remember the conclusion people drew i.e. that the universe is entirely self-sufficient, did not follow from the scientific evidence of evolution. This idea of a “split universe” had been around for quite some time and was conveniently supported by Darwin’s work. Over the years, this narrative has persisted in the popular imagination, reinforcing the assumption that progress is not only possible but inevitable—and that science is the proof.

People began to believe that if we could study and measure the physical world, we would find that it was moving in a specific direction. Of course, this is a leap from scientific theory to metaphysical speculation, and many influential figures were eager to make that leap. Darwin’s theory of evolution, in particular, proposed that species evolved because they were better adapted to survive rather than randomly. This idea fits perfectly with the belief that the world was progressing positively.

But as Christians, we know that the story is far more complex. God’s plan for the world is not simply about worldly progress but His ultimate vision for the renewal of all things. The secular notion of progress often overshadows this perspective, but it is essential to keep our eyes on the true future that God has promised.

‘For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. ‘

Habakkuk 2:14 NIV