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Conservatism
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Here is an excellent post by Jonathan, my intern at work. He's extremely bright and this post on the state of conservatism and it's lack of biblical basis is well worth a read. Basically, the conservative party isn't about biblical foundation, but about opposing liberalism. The difference is astounding.
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said...
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Speaking as both a Christian and a conservative, I disagree with everything he says. And seeing as how he bases most of his argument on popular misconceptions and stereotypes of conservatives as propagated by the media, I don't think he has a real in-depth understanding of modern conservatism. I have actually campaigned for the Republican party and I have never met any conservative or Republican that fits his description of them.
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Jim said...
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Huh? I believe George Bush himself fits some of those descriptions. Are you actually saying that conservatism today is based on biblical teaching? It really does seem to be based on the popular movement of opposing liberalism to a great extent. When was the last time you saw a major politcal figure quote the bible? Kennedy maybe? In any case, there is no political party that has an agenda based on the rock of God's word (which never changes).
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said...
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I disagree with the notion that conservatives are all the same. For example, I would agree that Bush fits some of those descriptions. But then again, I don't find Bush particularly conservative in many areas such as amnesty for illegal aliens, his nomination of Miers, etc. I also have never heard a single conservative, or Republican ever say its never ok to criticize the Iraq war, or oppose a liberal politician simply because they are liberal. I do agree that some conservative/libertarion philosophies are not based in the bible at all. Ayn Rand was an atheist but her philosophy is embraced by many on the libertarian side of the conservative movement. I also disagree that the conservative movement frames its arguments as opposing liberalism. Rather I think it is the other way around. Conservatives favor school vouchers as an answer to poor public education. Liberals oppose it for no reason other than to oppose it. They also offer no solution of their own, except throwing more money at the issue. Conservatives largely favor the war in Iraq. Liberals oppose it, but offer no other means of liberating an oppressed people or of ending terrorism, just they are against it. But even if we assume that conservatism is actually based on opposing liberalism, is that such a bad thing? What is the alternative? Even though a particular conservative politician may not oppose abortion or gay marriage from a biblical standpoint, wouldn't you still support them? Especially if the alternative is the liberal alternative where a 14 year old girl can get a secret abortion anytime she wants? I agree that there is no political party based solely on God's word. But that just makes it all the more important for Christians to be more politically active, to be a larger part of modern conservatism and help bring it back to its roots in the bible.
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Jim said...
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I see what you're saying Kyle. However, I think that the major point Jonathan was making is that there really is no political party that uses the unchanging Word of God as it's basis and that all parties, even so-called conservatives, change with the times. The bible does not change with the times. This presents a fundamental problem with supporting conservatism.
Just because conservatism is as close as we're going to get, does not mean that we should align ourselves with it. God was very big on "no compromise". It was a common theme throughout the bible and I believe it holds meaning today. If the conservative party is compromising on the values of it's roots (the bible), then I stand not with them. As Jonathan said, if someone asks if I am a conservative or liberal, my answer will be neither. It will be to say "biblical".
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said...
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Well, I agree with that. I guess I just don't think conservatism in general has strayed as far from its biblical roots as you guys. Although I agree that the perception of that certainly exists because some high profile so-called conservative politicians have definitely taken a non-biblical path. On that point, I definitely agree with you.
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Becka said...
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The problem with being a Biblical Conservative in today's day and age, is that you'll be laughed at. While Christians are a powerful force in politics, secular people would make sure they could do everything in their power to keep our leaders noses out of the Bible.
Why?
Because to a secular unbeliever, the Bible persecutes them. And I'm sure they don't want America to become like Europe of centuries past, ruled with the "iron fist" of the Catholic church.
Because let's face it. A purely utopian Biblical society will NEVER come around until Christ returns. There will always be some corrupt person in power, twisting the Word of God for his own gain.
~~Becka
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said...
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Yes, well said! :)
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said...
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Nice post, Rebecca. I agree completely.
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The true definition of a Conservative has to do with how literally they follow the Constitution of the United States. Liberals think the Constitution is out-dated and open to interpretation based on contemporary attitude and lifestyle.
This being said, the Founding Fathers were very religious men, deeply Christian who followed biblical teachings. They acknowledged their dependence upon God for direction and support in building the greatest nation on Earth.
The phrase “separation of church and state” is not found in the Constitution or in any Bill of Right or Amendment. It is based on a statement that Thomas Jefferson made that has been purposely misrepresented by liberals who have been successful in persuading us that it is wrong for government officials and institution to acknowledge the existence of God .
Evil men and minds are behind this agenda for if there is no God, then there are no commandments and we are not accountable to anyone or anything.
Most men and women who live moral lives do so for fear of punishment and hope for reward once they live this mortal existence by a just and perfect God. No civil law could instill this level of personal behavior as everyone knows men are far from perfect and it is easy to get away with just about any crime.
Proverbs 14:34 correctly states that “Righteousness exalteth a nation”. The Founders of American Civilization were righteous and as a result America has become the greatest nation in the world. However, liberals would have us believe that we have gotten where we are because of our own genius and not because of the providence of God.
The media follows the liberal agenda because their sole purpose is to make money and they know that nothing makes more money than sex which is a sin when it is flaunted in the way that is profitable. The enemy of sin is religion and deity, so to stay in business the media must fight against these. The liberal agenda also provides cover for the homosexuals, abortionist, pornographers and every other sinful lifestyle
The world we live in is not a struggle between political agendas but between good and evil. There is only one true interpretation of the Constitution and American way of life.
I don’t think we can get people to wake up if we only quote the bible. We need to attack the liberal agenda and Hollywood who is trying hoodwink us and make us believe that most Americans think the way they do.
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