People are the product of their culture and only imagine they are self-governing. Human free will has been drastically diminished by a moral fall from grace, but they are still responsible for the use of their remaining free will. They should depend only on the data of their senses and reason. Rationalism is a myth. Reason is necessary but not sufficient for understanding reality.
Reason can disclose truth about reality, but faith and revelation are needed in addition.
View of Progress Humankind is progressing by using science and reason. Humans aren't progressing toward any glorious future. However, advances which relieve suffering and prolong life are good.