What is a conservative? I tend to be conservative politically and theologically. But even as I make that statement I am aware that the term conservative has different levels of meaning. So, allow me to explain what I mean by conservative.
To be theologically conservative is to insist that the Holy Bible is divinely inspired and its divinely inspired words form my worldview. This informs my theological method. I resist a hermeneutic that diminishes the authority of the sacred text. In other words, the social sciences may inform my theology but the greater weight is given to the words of Scripture. That’s why I resist using the language of the social sciences in favor of developing a thoroughly Christian theological vocabulary. The words, metaphors, images, and icons provided in the sacred text are more than adequate for the shaping of the Christian theological imagination. Also, when the social sciences appropriate biblical motifs the authority of Scripture is often diminished in favor of the prevailing socio-political context. Scripture becomes little more than mythological illustrations.
To be theologically conservative is to insist that the Christian Faith is much more than a civil religion that serves the needs of the state. Christians should be politically active, but not political captives. The greatest temptation for Christians is to be seduced by the power of this present world. In the wilderness, Satan tempted Jesus with political power – all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. What was Jesus’ response? “Be gone, Satan!” A politicized civil religion is nothing less than idolatry. Christians should seek the good of the state, but always be reminded that we are citizens of the New Jerusalem.
My theological conservatism informs me that humans are fallen and that human civilization is corrupt. The state has the tendency to lean towards totalitarianism, therefore the power of the state must be restrained. God has ordained government for the common good, and law for the restraint of evil. Therefore, just law must reflect the revealed character of God.
My theological conservatism compels me to be pro-life. All human life is sacred; the primary purpose for sex is procreation; the Holy Spirit moves to empower human flourishing. Death is the enemy. Our bodies are to be temples of God. The womb is a sacred space, holy unto the Lord. Abortion is an invasion of violence into that sacred space. Likewise, euthanasia is an act of profound disrespect towards our fathers and mothers, sons and daughters.
My theological conservatism compels me to favor racial reconciliation because the Bible clearly teaches that all humans are created in the image of God and descended from a single human couple. Reconciliation must include repentance for historic sins and restitution – restorative justice.
My theological conservatism compels me to reject expressions of sexism, that is, the sexual objectification, domination, and exploitation of fellow humans. Scripture is clear that male and female are created in the image of God, that the Holy Spirit is poured out on sons and daughters, and that in New Creation men and women serve in the holy priesthood of God.
My theological conservatism compels me open my heart to strangers. In other words, according to the Christian faith there are no aliens, illegal or otherwise. Every human of goodwill is my neighbor. Therefore, I favor a generous immigration policy.
My theological conservatism compels me to insist upon a Christian sexual ethic that is expressed in creation – male and female. The sexual act is blessed only within heterosexual marriage. Premarital sex, adultery, pornography, and homosexual acts are sinful. Also, divorce and remarriage are to be strongly discouraged – sexual immorality and abandonment being exceptions.
My theological conservatism compels me to share my resources with the poor. No one should be deprived of the necessities of life. But this is more than welfare. It means providing the means of flourishing – an opportunity for education and gainful employment. Empowering the poor means encouraging individual responsibility.
Let’s return to my first point – that the language of Holy Scripture is more than adequate. Maybe that means I should forgo the word conservative, which is a political and economic construct, in favor of words like faithful, justice, and righteousness.
