The Democracy Boosters

’WHOM THE gods would destroy they first make mad.” One is reminded of this ancient saying by the flow of writing and rhetoric that today proclaims democracy as the salvation of the world. What brings the proverb to mind is the self-satisfied, utopian, and often quasi-religious manner in which a certain form of government is endorsed. A common theme is that a tide of democracy is sweeping the world and preparing the ground for remarkable progress. Everywhere humanity is demanding democracy, and in more and more countries their aspirations triumph. Rarely is democracy defined beyond a few generalities about human rights.

For some the term democracy has acquired religious connotations. Democracy is endorsed by, nay, demanded by God—a view that could hardly be more out of tune with traditional Western Christianity. The Christian tradition is reluctant to approve any one form of government as suited to all circumstances. It is acutely aware of the imperfect, sinful nature of man. It sees weaknesses in all human contrivances and warns against placing too much faith in political measures and institutions.

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Claes G. Ryn

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’WHOM THE gods would destroy they first make mad.” One is reminded of this ancient saying by the flow of writing and rhetoric that today proclaims democracy as the salvation of the world. What brings the proverb to mind is the self-satisfied, utopian, and often quasi-religious manner in which a certain form of government is endorsed. A common theme is that a tide of democracy is sweeping the world and preparing the ground for remarkable progress. Everywhere humanity is demanding democracy, and in more and more countries their aspirations triumph. Rarely is democracy defined beyond a few generalities about human rights.

For some the term democracy has acquired religious connotations. Democracy is endorsed by, nay, demanded by God—a view that could hardly be more out of tune with traditional Western Christianity. The Christian tradition is reluctant to approve any one form of government as suited to all circumstances. It is acutely aware of the imperfect, sinful nature of man. It sees weaknesses in all human contrivances and warns against placing too much faith in political measures and institutions.