Progress and Pietas

Via Front Porch Republic, R.J. Snell writes about those young progressives in the spotlight who, “holding fast to their prejudice of superiority, consider wisdom of the past . . . worth less than a new technique schemed in an afternoon and marketed as the next new thing.” I tend to think of educational reform as the flagship movement for progressives with blinders to the past (sex education, religion as historical movement, an iPad for each kindergartener, etc.). Snell detects it elsewhere:

Nowhere is this more painfully apparent than in contemporary religious expression. As a catholic Christian, I view as a high accomplishment worship rooted deeply and humbly in the tradition, and doctrine which navigates disputes by attempting to grant voice to all that has belonged to the one ancient faith. Catholicity means at least this: a hesitation to idly scuttle that which our ancestors gave to us. Rationalism detests catholicity, hates its patterns and rhythms, loathes its embarrassed insistence on a long obedience and formation over a complete life. How much better is enthusiasm (!) coupled with a new technique (!!) so as to make something relevant (!!!).

Read the rest here .