Conservatism is a false god. (No offense to conservatives.)
Progressivism is a false god too but progressives don’t care. Progressives get their ethics from a murky awareness of the “well being of others.” It’s humanist claptrap that is fundamentally incoherent. It’s why Progressives can talk about “caring for the planet” and support abortion on demand simultaneously.
I’m seeing an abundance of pro-Conservative propaganda that’s telling me the answer to my problems is found in conservatism. According to the noisiest voices, conservatism will increase my wealth, increase my freedom, and reduce tyranny. Conservatives (according to the propaganda) are good people. They don’t meddle in other people’s business . They pay taxes and they love their country, their neighbors, and their mamas. I won’t dispute any of those claims but I will take a moment to remind my zealous conservative friends that your politics won’t save anyone (including you).
Politics are just laws. Laws are just rules which are of no benefit unless they are followed. The law can’t make you follow the law. Your RELIGION determines whether or not you obey the law. Your religious philosophy shapes your understanding of right and wrong. Your politics are ultimately determined by those beliefs about good and evil.
You’ll hear conservatives say stuff like, “Limited government is a good thing.” It is appropriate to ask, “Why do you think that?” Asking that question will get you a whole bunch of different answers. The answer you will never hear (unless you’re speaking with a moron) is something like, “Limited government is good because conservatism says so.” Everybody (except morons) knows that conservative politics are not the source of righteousness. The goodness of a law comes from something higher than the law itself. Much of the conservative propaganda I see ignores this crucial point.
Countless voices preach about conservative politics as The Great Hope for our nation. Conservative pundits proclaim the power of the United States Constitution. We’re encouraged to put our faith in the wisdom of our founding fathers. Vast numbers of conservatives inherited their politics from their parents. There is nothing supporting their ideals. They are blind worshipers of a powerless god.
Conservatism that isn’t powered by Christianity might as well be progressivism.
“…know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.” – Galatians 2:16
4 Responses
So, if I consider or call myself a conservative because that’s the best category that matches what I believe politically, I’m worshipping a false idol? By the way. I’m the kind of guy that seeks and desires God to be glorified in all areas of my life. I enjoy your small articles because they are simple, short and plain, straightforward and to the point. But this article reminds me of Tim Kellerism. Where there’s just this third way. Progressivism and conservativism are both false idols but there’s a 3rd way. I don’t agree with this article. This is the 1st one I didn’t agree with. In fact, you’re a conservative. You’re conservative in your political beliefs, clearly. This is a strawman article. Don’t know what motivated you to write this. Maybe because you have friends who think that “conservativism” will save them. I personally know of none that actually think that.
It’s good to that you’re seeking God in all areas of your life. Christianity should be your defining characteristic. I wasn’t describing a “3rd way.” I was describing conservatism and Christianity as “either/or.”
I am a Christian in my political beliefs, not a conservative.
Good reminders. I don’t put my conservatism ahead of my faith, rather I check my conservative beliefs against my faith via study of scripture and prayer and meditation.
Excellent points John! Even parties called “conservative” today would be considered heretics and from the pits of hell just a couple of generations ago, whereas we know God is the same yesterday, today and forever. No matter your political affiliation, if God isn’t in it, or for it, it is doomed to fail. With our short life spans on earth we may not always experience the failure, but it will fail.