In the perpetual quest for progress, humanity grapples with a paradox as old as time: the more familiar we become with something, the more prone we are to take it for granted or even disdain its presence. This paradoxical tendency underpins the relentless drive of progressivism, a force perpetually dissatisfied with the status quo, always seeking novelty and change.
Scripture and the wisdom of the Church Fathers shed light on this enduring human dynamic. Ecclesiastes reminds us, "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9). This timeless observation speaks to the cyclical nature of human history, where each generation rediscovers challenges and truths known to their predecessors.
The Church Fathers, steeped in both theological insight and practical wisdom, cautioned against the allure of novelty divorced from enduring truths. Saint Augustine, reflecting on the nature of human desire, noted, "Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, O Lord" (Confessions, Book 1). This restlessness, he observed, often drives humanity to seek fulfillment in transient novelties rather than in the eternal truths found in God.
In our contemporary age, progressivism often champions change as a virtue in itself, sometimes at the expense of venerable traditions and timeless principles. Yet, as Saint Vincent of Lerins articulated in his Commonitory, true progress in matters of faith and morality must be grounded in the "universality, antiquity, and consent" of the Church's teachings—a safeguard against the pitfalls of unfettered novelty.
Thus, as we navigate the currents of progress and tradition, may we heed the wisdom of Scripture and the Church Fathers. Let us cherish the enduring truths that anchor our existence while discerning the value of innovation that aligns with these foundational principles. In this delicate balance lies the path to genuine progress—a journey that respects the lessons of history while courageously embracing the possibilities of the future, guided by faith and prudence.
