Christianity and Progress

"Christianity and Progress" by Harry Emerson Fosdick is a series of engaging talks from the 1920s that investigates how Christianity fits into the idea of progress, set against the backdrop of a world undergoing significant social and intellectual changes. The lectures tackle big questions, like how advancements in science relate to religious beliefs, and argues why Christianity must evolve to stay relevant. The author starts by encouraging the audience to think about how our understanding of progress has changed over time, especially within Christian thought. He highlights how views on life shifted from being seen as fixed to being more about change, especially after the 1500s, marking a big turning point in how we see the world. The lectures compare older ideas about fate and God's direct involvement with modern scientific views, suggesting that understanding both change and what stays the same is key to understanding Christianity's role in a constantly changing world. The book lays the foundation for exploring deeper theological ideas, stressing that for Christianity to truly engage with progress, it needs to focus on both external actions and internal, personal growth.