Democratic Evolution and the Church of the United Nations
Competition among the diverse values systems developed over time to create and maintain social order results in what the author terms “democratic evolution.” Since the early part of the nineteenth century, social scientists have developed different ethical systems for promoting social order at the level of the nation-state. However, recent advancements in technology and communications have made it easier to develop and disseminate ideas and to organize activities on a global basis. These developments have prompted the United Nations, international human rights treaty bodies, and nongovernmental organizations to construct and promote a human rights-based “Religion of Humanity.” This article describes this notion of democratic evolution; highlights the philosophical foundations of this Religion of Humanity; explains how the “Church of the United Nations” promotes various humanist values systems; describes its ecclesiastical features; explains the nature and drawbacks of normative imperialism; and describes the threat that these developments pose to democratic evolution at the national level. To access a copy of this article, please click here.
Kelly, James P., "Democratic Evolution and the Church of the United Nations," Engage: the Journal of the Federalist Society's Practice Groups, Volume 8, Issue 3, June 2007
A JOINT PROGRAM OF
