The Evolution of Political Ideology: From Religious Progressives to Modern Progressivism
Throughout history, political movements and ideologies have evolved, adopting new labels and redefining their values. This is particularly evident in the evolution of the term progressive. Originally rooted in religious activism, its meaning has shifted over time to encompass a broader social and economic philosophy.
Origins in Religious Activism
In the early days of Christianity, the concept of progressive was quite different. The religion was largely divided between two factions: conservatives who believed that Christianity should remain independent of political involvement, and progressives or Christian activists who believed it was their duty to transform society into the "New Jerusalem" on Earth. They used progressive not merely as a political label but as a call to action, a promise that if people followed Christian principles, society would become better.
Political and Social Impact: From WWI to McCarthy Era
The term progressive reached its peak during World War I and the ratification of Prohibition. However, with the repeal of Prohibition and the rise of the McCarthy era, its influence began to wane. Even during these turbulent times, politicians like Franklin D. Roosevelt claimed to be progressive, using the term for its perceived advantage in political branding. Religiosity in the United States began to decline sharply post-World War II, and Christians largely stopped identifying themselves as progressives.
The Modern Rebirth of Progressivism
After a period of limbo, some religious groups began demanding the use of the term again. This was partly due to the influence of organizations like the Moral Majority, which seeks to integrate Christian values into the political sphere. As religious activism waned, some Democrats—often rational economic populists—adopted the progressive label. They recognized that some historian apologists were redefining the term to mean simply "things will be better if" without the baggage of religious doctrine. Roosevelt's own endorsement of the term added to its appeal.
Modern Progressivism: Focused on Social Justice
Today, the term progressive is commonly associated with a single-minded focus on social justice. The modern Social Justice Warriors (SJWs) often channel their energy into speech and culture policing, targeting victimless crimes that violate their moral taboos. This shift in focus from broad societal transformation to narrow cultural policing reflects a more specialized and narrower definition of the term.
Conclusion
The evolution of progressive from a religious movement to a modern political ideology highlights the dynamic nature of political labels. Understanding these changes is crucial for anyone seeking to navigate the complex landscape of modern politics. Whether one agrees with the modern redefinition of progressive or not, it is clear that the term has undergone significant transformation over time.