THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES ON THE CONCEPT OF"PROGRESS" IN CIVILIZATIONAL NARRATIVES

Abstract

The concept of "progress" has long been central
to civilizational narratives, often shaped by theological
doctrines and religious philosophies. This paper explores how
different theological traditions—Islamic, Christian, Hindu,
and Buddhist—conceive of progress, not merely in terms of
material or technological advancement, but as a moral,
spiritual, and eschatological journey. By critically analyzing
sacred texts and historical interpretations, the study
highlights the dialectical relationship between faith-based
worldviews and evolving civilizational values. The paper
concludes that religious conceptions of progress serve as both
a critique and a guide to modernity, offering a
multidimensional understanding that includes ethical,
spiritual, and societal growth.