"Revolution becomes permanent when the revolutionary posits a goal which ex definitione cannot be reached because it requires the transformation of human nature. The unchangeable nature of man constantly places obstacles in the path to the paradisiacal goal...
For in liberalism (also) there is the irrational element of an eschatological final state, of a society which will produce through its rational methods, without violent disturbances, a condition of lasting peace... The liberal attack was directed against dogmatism and the authority of religion. If only these influences on thinking and public life could be removed, then the free human being would order society rationally with his autonomous reason. However, if in practice Christianity is successfully driven out of men, they become not rational liberals but ideologues. "
-Eric Voegelin, "Liberalism and its History," The Review of Politics, October, 1974, pp. 519, 517
8.05.2008
Voegelin on permanent revolution
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2 comments:
I believe the French Revolution and the Soviet Union are excellent examples of this. A permanent revolution that could not replace Christianity.
Agreed.
History teaches us that the attempt to make politics into religion or vice versa can be a very dangerous enterprise. This is why I believe we need to clearly define the limits of politics - what politics can and cannot do.
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