Theologically conservative=politically conservative?

This discussion should prove entertaining.........

simonpeter said:

Shalom,

Theologically conservative folks, such as baptists, are often the most politically conservative as well - homophobic, anti-immigration, pro-rich, pro-war etc. etc.

Why is there this trend? I mean, a person could have very rigid views when it comes to interpretations of scripture, but he could also be liberal insofar as social and political life is concerned. But usually, that's never the case. You'd hardly hear a Calvinist preaching against the accumulation of riches, or a Lutheran sympathizing with the weak. It is almost always theologically conservative=politically conservative.

Why do you think that is?

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This may be true for certain parts of the US but it is not true in general. Moreover there are many who are politically conservative who are not Christians so one cannot draw a direct link, plus your description of conservative is pretty perjorative.

simonpeter said:

Shalom,

Theologically conservative folks, such as baptists, are often the most politically conservative as well - homophobic, anti-immigration, pro-rich, pro-war etc. etc.

Why is there this trend? I mean, a person could have very rigid views when it comes to interpretations of scripture, but he could also be liberal insofar as social and political life is concerned. But usually, that's never the case. You'd hardly hear a Calvinist preaching against the accumulation of riches, or a Lutheran sympathizing with the weak. It is almost always theologically conservative=politically conservative.

Why do you think that is?

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It goes hand in hand with ideology and generally education. Those who take a literal, conservative stance on the Bible and believe things like a global flood, 6000 year old earth, or think the Bible actually says something about gays when they weren't even discovered for 1800 years after the New Testament was finished, are obviously going to support "tradition" and oppose social progression from a political standpoint.

A conservative, literal interpretation of scripture is incompatible with a liberal outlook on politics and society.

Actually, it used to be the other way around. theologically conservative, polotically liberal. that change came in the 1970's when the religious right bolted from the Democratic party, becacuse of the rising tide of Democratic partys endorsing of Destructive behavior. Quick divorce, anti-men, loose sexual practices, drug use. This came into the Democartic party on the hill of the Sexual reveloution in the 1960's it was at that time that the 2 different groups of Democrats colided. Socially conservative Christian and Liberal humanist eveloution believing, pagan democrats. the latter got the upper hand in the late 60's and by the mid 70's had forced the majority of the Conservatives Christians out of the party. Today those people are called Blue Dog democrats. it is unfortunate that the democrats make people choose between killing kids and feeding the poor. it did not used to be that way.

For myself my whole life is Conservative, from my theology all the way to politics

have you really thought that through? economically conservative do you really want that??? vassels and serfs. and guess where most of us would likely be.

Yes I do want all conservationism and what you cited is not what conservatism is about. I want a very small Federal Government, Freedoms that are guaranteed in the Bill of rights, etc. I do not want liberalism the friend of the devil

simonpeter said:

Shalom,

Theologically conservative folks, such as baptists, are often the most politically conservative as well - homophobic, anti-immigration, pro-rich, pro-war etc. etc.

Why is there this trend? I mean, a person could have very rigid views when it comes to interpretations of scripture, but he could also be liberal insofar as social and political life is concerned. But usually, that's never the case. You'd hardly hear a Calvinist preaching against the accumulation of riches, or a Lutheran sympathizing with the weak. It is almost always theologically conservative=politically conservative.

Why do you think that is?

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Your pejorative description of conservative is off the mark.

SimonPeter: "Theologically conservative folks, such as baptists, are often the most politically conservative as well - homophobic, anti-immigration, pro-rich, pro-war etc. etc."

Hi, Simon, you asked an interesting question.

Before I answer it, I should tell you that I am politically conservative. I am not offended by your above statements, but want to explain to you that your description of some of the aspects of being politically conservative are not true, and are just some rather common and populist ideas about conservatives.

Political conservatives and/or theological conservatives are not homophobes.
Many Christians believe the Bible teaches against homosexual acts, but that does not mean they hate or dislike homosexuals, which is what the word homophobe means.

Christians in general reject the idea of hating other people, and though they may fail, they want to love others.

It is quite common for a homosexual to be politically conservative.

A political conservative who is also a Christian may be uncomfortable about homosexuality because of scriptures, but not necessarily.

A political conservative may consider SOME homosexual political goals, such as the passage of gay marriage laws, to be anti traditional, or anti-family value, but not all political conservatives feel this way.

A political or theological liberal person may also be a homophobe, and harbor hatred, whether known or unknown, towards gay people.

Most political conservatives are not anti-immigration. Many, however, are fond of the rule of law, and are concerned about ILLEGAL immigration and the unintended consequences of such.

Theological conservatives may or may not feel that way.

Political conservatives are not pro-war. No one is pro-war. They may be pro-defense, and wish to protect others from attack.

Theological conservatives run the gamut on this, but no Christian really is pro-war in a general sense.

Political conservatives are not pro-rich. Some are pro-business, because some believe that freedom for all to trade brings about prosperity for all. But most political conservatives care about the poor and give generously to others.

The Bible specifically teaches to care for others and not be puffed up about riches, so no theogically conservative Christian is pro-rich, and cares more for the rich than the poor. He may fail in this area, but a serious Christian will improve in this.

So, to answer your question, in my case, I am both thoelogically conservative and politically conservative. I can't speak for others. I know plenty of Christians who are more theologically conservative than myself, but who have more populist and even somewhat socialist ideas politically. I do think there is some correlation of the two types of conservatism, but it is by no means all-inclusive.

I tend to be theologically liberal and politically conservative myself.

Freedom of thought and belief, freedom to pursue own's joy, enabling people to take care of each other are supported by both a liberal theology and the by the Christian right far more than by the Christian left.

That is not always the case. You do not have to be a Pat Roberson or Jerry Falwell to be a Christian that is true to the literal, inspired Word of God. Anabaptists can be considered theologically conservative as they consider the Bible to be the literal word of God and take conservative Christian morals seriously, they do not vote or run for office. They are politically neutral. The same can kinda be said for the JW and Armstrongnites.

Also, it is true there are people who are Biblically conservative and take the Bible as the literal Word of God and yet support some Democrat issues. For example, there is a smart Holiness Christian girl in my Chemistry class who always has long, blonde hair and always wears a skirt or dress that falls below the knee. She does not swim in pools and beaches with mixed genders, go to the movies, or drink alcohol. She is definitely strong spoken against homosexuality, abortion, inappropriate contentography, strip clubs, and teaching evolution in schools. She believes that prayer should be placed in schools. But that same girl, at the same time, she supports Democrat ideas that do not necessarily contradict with Scripture. That is she supports gun control and banning semi automatic rifles. In fact, she participated in a March For Our Lives Movement protest and has supported that movement. She also supports higher taxes on the rich, as well as denuclearization of the US, Obamacare, and strict environmental regulations.

icedragon101 said:

it is unfortunate that the democrats make people choose between killing kids and feeding the poor.

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I believe that Roe v. Wade may be overturned in the near future (I am praying for it). If that happens, many Blue dog democrats who went republican may return to the party and even take it over.

simonpeter said:

Shalom,

Theologically conservative folks, such as baptists, are often the most politically conservative as well - homophobic, anti-immigration, pro-rich, pro-war etc. etc.

Why is there this trend? I mean, a person could have very rigid views when it comes to interpretations of scripture, but he could also be liberal insofar as social and political life is concerned. But usually, that's never the case. You'd hardly hear a Calvinist preaching against the accumulation of riches, or a Lutheran sympathizing with the weak. It is almost always theologically conservative=politically conservative.

Why do you think that is?

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This is true in many Christian arenas. The Catholic Church, however, is often accused of being liberal because of her position on social justice issues, while accused of being conservative due to positions on abortion, homosexuality, etc.

SaintCody777 said:

That is she supports gun control and banning semi automatic rifles.

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Gun control isn't the answer. The second amendment is an integral part of the Constitution, and if you take away that, 1st amendment rights may very well go out the window. If something in the Bill of Rights can be taken out, you can be sure the devil will aim at religious liberty at some point.

Not that we even have it: because the mental health system persecutes true believers (Psalms 119:69) with such tenets in psychology as religious preoccupation (see 1 Peter 2:1-3), persecution complex (see Matthew 5:10-12, 2 Timothy 3:10-12) and calling people manic who stay up late watching and waiting for the Lord's return (see Revelation 3:3, Mark 13:32-37, 2 Corinthians 6:5, 2 Corinthians 11:27, Psalms 119:147-148, Psalms 119:62).