What is the driving force of history?

Question

Sun Myung Moon · Accepted Answer

What truly propels the vast and often tumultuous journey of human history? Across cultures and ages, humanity has grappled with the apparent chaos and suffering in the world, often seeking meaning in prophecies of endings and renewal. While many views attempt to explain history through external factors like geography or economics, a deeper understanding reveals an internal, spiritual dynamic at play. It is a story not solely of human endeavor, but of a profound relationship between humanity and its Creator, unfolding through trials and triumphs toward an ultimate purpose. God's Purpose of Creation and the Fall To understand the true driving force of history, we must first grasp God's original intent for creation. God, as our Heavenly Parent, created the universe and humanity for the purpose of joy and happiness, desiring to establish a heaven on earth and then a heaven in heaven. He blessed humanity to multiply, have dominion over creation, and ultimately become true partners in His love (Genesis 1:28). Had Adam and Eve matured in perfection, centered on God, they would have established a sinless lineage and a world of true love. However, the ancestors of humankind fell, tragically severing their vertical tie with God and becoming united with evil. This fall led to a world of suffering and sin, which we experience as "hell on earth," where horizontal ties between people are broken, and hearts are often insensible to the pain of neighbors. The Providence of Restoration Despite the profound tragedy of the Fall, God did not abandon humanity. As our True Parent, full of heart and love, God embarked on a Providence of Salvation. The driving force of history, therefore, is God's unwavering will to restore fallen humanity back to its original state of creation and to fulfill His initial purpose. This is why history is essentially the Providence of Restoration. It is a long, arduous journey by which God works through individuals, families, and nations to separate good from evil and prepare the way for humanity to return to His embrace. The ultimate goal remains the same: to build Heaven on Earth first, making this physical world a true reflection of God's ideal. His purpose cannot fail, for He declares “the end from the beginning... My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Isaiah 46:10), being longsuffering, not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). The Struggle Between Good and Evil The history of restoration is characterized by a continuous struggle between good and evil, often manifesting as Abel-type and Cain-type forces. God works to establish conditions for restoration, guiding those aligned with His will (the Abel-type) to absorb attacks with sacrificial love and bring the Cain-type side to change. This dynamic can be seen from the very first family, between Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-8), and has played out repeatedly on larger and larger scales—in families, nations, religions, and ultimately, the world. God divides good and evil not to punish, but to create opportunities for the good side to prevail through love, gradually expanding the realm of Heaven's dominion. This internal providential cause underpins even seemingly external conflicts and wars throughout history, since “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers” (Ephesians 6:12). Cycles of Restoration and Parallel Periods God's providence unfolds according to discoverable laws and principles. When humanity, specifically a central figure chosen for a mission, fails in their responsibility, the providence is prolonged. Yet, God's predestination of His will is absolute, meaning His ultimate purpose will be achieved, even if it requires multiple stages of restoration. This often leads to parallel periods in history, where similar providential events repeat themselves with a new central figure or group. We see this in the patterns of Israel's history in the Old Testament and Christianity's subsequent development. For instance, the 400 years of slavery in Egypt had its parallel in the 400 years of persecution in the Roman Empire for early Christians, demonstrating God's consistent method of working through indemnity conditions to prepare a foundation. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33), and His historical design is orderly and principled. Preparation for the Second Advent The culmination of this providential history is the preparation for the Second Advent of the Messiah. Just as God prepared the environment for Jesus' coming through Hebraism (Jewish religion) and Hellenism (Greco-Roman civilization), He has been meticulously preparing the world for the return of Christ. This involves establishing both an internal religious foundation and an external societal foundation where the Messiah can be received and establish God's ideal. God moves precisely, for “when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son” (Galatians 4:4). The entire flow of hum

What is the driving force of history?

God's Purpose of Creation and the Fall

The Providence of Restoration

The Struggle Between Good and Evil

Cycles of Restoration and Parallel Periods

Preparation for the Second Advent

Living the Principle

Sources and further reading