Dangerous Faith in Infinite Progress



Electricity can do anything. It can dispel darkness

and gloom. One push of a button and clickety-click

out comes a new man.

Obviously they would be singing this worship song in Russian but we need to notice the worship of ‘created things’ in this work place. Some worship rats, others worship football and some worship electricity.

Background Notes



Four Ways of Looking at the Story

Materialist faith: "We believe that Byron Reese is right to trust in infinite progress. As godless people we trust in human ingenuity and not in God."

Relativist faith: "We believe that there are no right or wrong answers here. Reese's faith in progress is true for him but it doesn't work for everyone."

Buddhist faith: "We believe that humans should not trust in technology. Go into a forest and meditate. Progress is an illusion because the world is an illusion."

Christian faith: "We believe that technology is a gift from God. We love responsible technology but we do not trust in technology. This is idolatry."


1) How does Reese's faith in progress inspire millions today?

2) Why is Byron Reese so committed to Infinite Progress?

3) What are the dark sides of faith in Progress?



Thanks Mark, totally agree with that you say about technology being a gift from God, the internet creates so many opportunities for sharing good news and connecting with others. It strikes me that, when bright new futures are predicted, what is often overlooked is the selfishness at the heart of all of us. Something more is needed to help us with that, something Christians believe is found in a godly man dying on cross and crying out 'Father forgive them...' Something I believe to be more profound in fact than the wonders of technology. Thanks again for your writing and thoughts here.

Add new comment