Date of Award

8-1990

Degree Type

Master's Essay - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Theology

Abstract

In nineteenth century America, God's role became both earthly and depersonalized. God was dragged from His throne and was not only equated with, but was replaced with the idea of providence. Progress became the intellectual concern of nineteenth century America; for all of America believed "in the truth of a cosmic order -- of either a providential, deistic, or immanent origin . . ." This idea of progress, holding the most important "sway in public and private affairs for the last two hundred years," is actually a recently new phenomena. Antiquity knew only the cycle that was their perception of time; while the Medievalists and the Reformers focused upon the new aeon to come. The intellectuals of the nineteenth century, however, would bring the idea of progress to the fore as an autonomous human concern. The reasons for this are many but neither time nor intention allow me to enter into them here. What is important to note is that this idea of providential humanity is one "of the most profound and germinal ideas at work in the modern age."

Comments

A Master's Essay submitted to the Faculty of the Division of the Graduate School in Candidacy for the Degree of Master of Arts, Department of Theology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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