Define Christian "conservatism"

[HalupkiMonster]

Hello, brothers and sisters in Christ!

I was wondering what it means to be a conservative Christian. Is it merely political?

When I first thought of this subforum, I thought of Christian conservatism defined as believing in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, taking the Bible totally literally, and everything else.

If you're a conservative Christian, how are you so conservative in your beliefs?

Thanks!

 

[Sketcher]

"Conservatism" has political overtones, I think of that almost always politically. This would be associated with being a Christian conservative, not necessarily a conservative Christian. I am both, but one is not required to be the other. To clarify, let me define the terms:

Christian conservative: A Christian with conservative political beliefs.

Conservative Christian: A Christian with conservative doctrinal beliefs.

My doctrinal beliefs are conservative because I believe in going by the Scriptures in context rather than what somebody in a white robe and hat thinks, or by what you feel should be right.

 

[Albion]

Hello, brothers and sisters in Christ!

I was wondering what it means to be a conservative Christian. Is it merely political?

When I first thought of this subforum, I thought of Christian conservatism defined as believing in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, taking the Bible totally literally, and everything else.

If you're a conservative Christian, how are you so conservative in your beliefs?

Thanks!

As defined for this forum, "conservative" has no political associations. It is purely a religious reference. And the meaning there is adherence to conventional, historic Christian beliefs, whether typically Protestant or Catholic.

This is well-defined in the forum's Statement of Purpose.

 

[WannaWitness]

Christian conservative: A Christian with conservative political beliefs.

Conservative Christian: A Christian with conservative doctrinal beliefs.

Great way of putting it. By these brief definitions, I believe I would be a conservative Christian - albeit with reasonable standards based on the Bible as opposed to being legalistic. I take the Bible as the infallible Word of God, and want to try my best to live a life pleasing to Him. However, I feel myself to be open-minded and am well-aware that personal convictions vary from Christian to Christian - as far as things go such as Bible translations, music issues, pants vs. dresses only for women, whether or not to watch TV or movies and so on - and I sometimes tend to think that there is too much oneupmanship over perspectives on how certain Scriptures stand out to any given individual (which result in differing convictions).

Now, as far as politics go, I would probably call myself a Christian moderate rather than conservative. Actually, I am not much of a political person, but when it comes to certain issues, I lean conservative (socially, that is), but maybe a tad liberal when it comes to economy-related matters (including health care and such), and middle-of-the-road on other things. What I am is a nonpartisan, as my views are such a mixed bag that I don't relate fully to one party - in that there are things that both sides embrace that I feel line up with Biblical principles (which I have explained earlier in the paragraph), and both parties certainly could use some work in some areas, as well. As far as "morals" go, neither side holds to them completely, and politicians regardless of party have been known to not deliver 100% on everything they promise. What I do believe, however, is for that the government needs prayer: all officials (including the President, no matter who it might be at any given time) and their decisions - then leave things in the hands of the Lord and trust that He will have His way and be with His people no matter what happens.

I don't care to debate; this is just how I honestly feel.

 

[Sketcher]

Great way of putting it. By these brief definitions, I believe I would be a conservative Christian - albeit with reasonable standards based on the Bible as opposed to being legalistic. I take the Bible as the infallible Word of God, and want to try my best to live a life pleasing to Him. However, I feel myself to be open-minded and am well-aware that personal convictions vary from Christian to Christian - as far as things go such as Bible translations, music issues, pants vs. dresses only for women, whether or not to watch TV or movies and so on - and I sometimes tend to think that there is too much oneupmanship over perspectives on how certain Scriptures stand out to any given individual (which result in differing convictions).

That sounds conservative to me. Legalism is just another form of liberalism.

 

[WannaWitness]

That sounds conservative to me. Legalism is just another form of liberalism.

You bring out a great point, here, seeing that true legalism is all about excessive (therefore liberal) rules which only serve to make Christianity look bad, and sadly why we have such sites as Landover Baptist on the Web which make Christians look like monsters. In my opinion, it exaggerates way beyond the limit in the images they paint of (what people believe to be) a conservative Christian. You just want to shake your head at some of the utter nonsense on that Website, which is ridiculous at best and can be completely offensive (maybe even bordering on blasphemy) at worst.