liberal, conservative origins?

Liberal and conservative–they are often heard terms during an election year. But why, I wonder, without getting into particular issues, why do people gravitate in one or the other directions? Well, at its core, prior to any decision to opt for a particular political party, I think there are a couple of fundamental realities, which–rightly or wrongly interpreted and applied–lead us all (yes, all) to embrace both a liberal and conservative stance.

First, let me quickly define what I mean when I use these two terms in a broad (and pre-political) sense. Among other things, liberal means free and loose, willing to adapt and change, able to move with the times and alter one’s approach. Among other things, conservative means to remain as is, to uphold certain principles, to refuse to alter one’s basic views. A liberal, then, is a person who adapts and changes. A conservative is one who maintains what currently is. Aside from the fact that we all combine both elements, these are among the primary characteristics of each term.

But why are some of us loose and others unbending? Why do some change easily, while others refuse to do so? In the ultimate sense, I think our perspectives are due to the fact that God is–in a certain sense–both liberal and conservative. Let me explain. I do not mean to imply that God likes some liberal ideas and some conservative issues (though that may be true in some cases). What I’m saying, rather, is that the source of our liberal and conservative tendencies is a God who reveals himself as both unwavering and changing. God stays the same in the sense that he never compromises his nature or character. God cannot (and will not) choose to lie, to deceive, to be unjust, etc. There are certain things about God that he–one might say–conserves. When God speaks universal truths, when he reveals spiritual and moral realities that apply to every time and culture–he is conserving or maintaining his own person and ways. It is in this sense that he can say, “For I, the Lord, do not change” (Malachi 3:6).

Of course a survey of Scripture also reveals that God is able to alter what he does, adapting in order to accommodate various people, varying his ways so that he can relate to those in different circumstances (which, by the way, are sovereignly orchestrated, but that’s another story). Without changing his basic character, God related to people under the New Covenant (A.D.) differently than he did to those under the Old Covenant (B.C.). Indeed, the unchanging Lord (i.e., unchanging as it relates to his nature and perfections) is able to connect with countless individuals and cultures in ways that benefit them.

This means that both the conservative and the liberal principles are–in some ways, at least–an outworking of the One in whose image we are made. In fact this leads us to a second and related point, which is that we are made in such a way that we intuitively recognize that some things must be sustained and defended, and other things must be held with a looser grip. Therefore, we all–whether we know it or acknowledge it–refuse to bend on certain matters that we deem important (again, whether or not we are correct in our assessments, we at least react in a way that reflects this desire to conserve), but we also adapt in those areas that are non essential.

Here, then, is what I propose: (1) The tendencies to be liberal and conservative are an outworking of the God who both changes his approach (when he deems fit) and remains the same (on essentials). (2) Liberal and conservative (not in a political but in a pre-political, attitudinal or life-perspective sense) are an outworking of the image of God in man. To these we can add these additional points: (3) We are all prone to be mislead, for we are imperfect and fallen human beings. All too often, we miss the big picture, misconstrue the facts, and do things that are self-serving. In other words the liberal tendency and the conservative tendency can be twisted and given faulty expression. (4) On the other hand, since we live in God’s world, it is possible to access his wisdom and learn how best to demonstrate both unchanging conviction (i.e., the “conservative) and genuine openness and adaptability (i.e., the “liberal”). Indeed, we should expect to observe these components–to a greater or lesser extent–in all human beings, whatever their political views.

Now, in saying all of this, I am not suggesting that we create a new party that falls somewhere between liberal and conservative. Nor am I denying that some political views are simply right or wrong. My point, simply, is to recognize the source of our liberal and conservative dispositions. Part of our challenge is to discern what things or issues or perspectives (or parties or candidates!) ought to be sustained, defended, and proclaimed, and which ones ought not. Properly understood, this enables us not only to acquire a useful (albeit imperfect) political perspective but also to recognize that our ultimate source of sapience is the One who is wisdom (Romans 16:27).