The word progress is always relative to the ism being discussed, and the perspective one takes in that discussion. e.g. If the debate is about communism, what one calls “progress” or “a move in the right direction,” the other might label as “decline” or “deterioration of a nation.” In this debate, and all others pertaining to isms, one’s philosophies and goals provide the substance of his definitions for both good and evil.
There are those who would define progress as: abortion, homosexuality, transgenderism, cohabitation of the unmarried, alcohol, legalized drugs, antisemitism, unbridled lawlessness under the flag of peaceful demonstration, governmental control of the conscience and the kids, and global alliance in these matters. Others believe that these things are the epitome of evil and human degradation. As a wise man once said, “It takes all kinds…,” but perhaps we should ask those who redefine as good, that which was once called evil by everyone, How’s that working for you? Are you really better off?
Isn’t it obvious yet, that when everyone defines good and evil using his own philosophical yardstick and moral compass, that life on earth takes on characteristics that can only be described as mayhem, anarchy, confusion, and unrest? Are we gluttons for punishment? Are we not man and woman enough to admit that our ways, ambitions and motives are flawed, …that we are not as capable to order our own lives as we had imagined, …that we need help from something—or SomeOne—more powerful, more knowing, more constant than ourselves?
The words of Moses, spoken to Israel of old, seem fitting, “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)”