Articles
What Is A Conservative?
Some time ago I watched an interesting television program in which a well-known "conservative" political figure was being questioned by a panel of students concerning his views.
One of the first questions asked was, "What is a conservative?" The gentlemen's answer was something to this effect: "Actually, instead of being called a 'conservative,' I would prefer the word 'conservationist.' We all recognize a conservationist as one who is dedicated to the preservation of the natural beauty, environment and resources of this great country. A 'conservative' is merely a conservationist in the political realm. He is dedicated to the preservation of the Constitution of the United States and the rights and privileges guaranteed therein. He is firmly opposed to any theory or trend which would, in its ultimate effect, weaken or deprive us of this, our greatest national resource."
As I listened to these eloquent words, it struck me that such remarks have a direct application in the religious as well as the political realm. In the religious world and even in the church, we hear frequent use of the terms "liberal" and "conservative." But what is a religious "conservative?" Adapting the words of the television speaker, a conservative is merely a conservationist in the spiritual realm. Instead of the Constitution, he is dedicated to the preservation of the gospel of Christ and the doctrines and practices which arise therefrom. A "conservative" is firmly opposed to any theory or trend which would, in its ultimate effect, weaken or deprive us of this, our greatest and only guide and spiritual resource.
Another student asked the political conservative, "Is it true that conservatives are opposed to progress?" The speaker pointed out that such was a popular misrepresentation of the conservative position. He affirmed that the conservative view alone afforded the stimulus for real progress --progress within the framework of the Constitution.
Many times we have heard the charge from religious "liberals" that "conservatives" cannot make progress. But such charge is also a popular misrepresentation. A point of verifiable fact is that in a world of declining religious interests, the most rapidly-growing religious groups are those who hold to "conservative" ideals. We affirm without hesitation that by a "conservative" approach alone can any real progress be made which will please our Lord - progress within the framework of the Scriptures!
Under the laws of this great country, we are free to choose whether we wish to be a liberal or a conservative, politically speaking. Political ideology is not legislated. But under the laws of God, Christians are required to have respect for, strictly abide in, and defend the gospel. (See Galatians 1:6-10; 1 Corinthians 4:6; Jude 3, etc.) Perhaps another way of putting this is that God requires Christians to be "conservative" toward His divine revelation.
The Christian, then, should be one who upholds, defends, and preserves, as a "spiritual conservationist," the worship, work, organization and doctrine outlined in the Constitution of the Kingdom of God, which we know as the gospel. He pleads for all to return to the "old paths." He calls for "building according to the pattern" in all things. He opposes every human theory and trend which would compete with the Divine plan. He strives for that progress which, although not always "highly esteemed in the eyes of men," is nevertheless the only real progress which matters. For it is progress which honors and glorifies God and His word.
May God help us all to be "conservationists" in the government of our glorious King!
