By Morris Wambua

The Christian Roots of Conservatism & The Christian Appeal of Liberalism

In the emotive discourse regarding conservatism and liberalism, the Christian perspective offers a unique lens through which to examine these two ideologies. While both political orientations have shaped modern society, their alignment with Christian teachings invites deeper consideration. Conservatism, emphasizing tradition, order, and continuity, resonates strongly with many Christian values. Historically, conservatism advocates preserving established institutions, moral values, and social structures. This alignment is evident in the support of many Christians for policies that uphold the sanctity of life, traditional marriage, and religious freedom. From a biblical standpoint, conservatism's focus on maintaining societal order can be linked to passages such as Romans 13:1-7, which encourages obedience to governing authorities as divinely appointed. The preference for gradual change rather than radical upheaval mirrors the Christian call for stewardship and the careful management of God-given responsibilities. However, conservatism is not without its challenges from a Christian viewpoint. The emphasis on maintaining the status quo can sometimes lead to neglecting social justice issues, which are central to Christian teachings. For instance, the prophetic tradition in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, calls for active engagement in justice and care for the marginalized—something that can be at odds with a purely conservative approach that may resist necessary reforms.

On the other hand, liberalism's emphasis on equality, individual rights, and social justice also finds a strong resonance within Christian teachings. The liberal commitment to caring for the poor, advocating for human rights, and promoting social change aligns closely with the Christian imperative to love one's neighbor and to seek justice. The life and teachings of Jesus, particularly His concern for the outcasts and the oppressed, often inspire Christian support for liberal causes. Liberalism's push for inclusivity and tolerance reflects the Christian message of universal love and acceptance, as illustrated in Galatians 3:28, which speaks of the unity of all people in Christ. Moreover, the liberal focus on personal freedom can be connected to the Christian concept of free will and the moral responsibility of each individual. However, liberalism is not without its criticisms from a Christian standpoint. The emphasis on individual autonomy can sometimes lead to moral relativism, which conflicts with the Christian belief in absolute truths. For example, issues like abortion and same-sex marriage present
significant ethical dilemmas for Christians who hold to traditional biblical teachings.

Finding a Balance: The Christian Call to Discernment

In navigating the political landscape, Christians are called to discernment, carefully weighing the principles of both
conservatism and liberalism against the teachings of the Bible. Neither ideology perfectly encapsulates the full breadth of Christian ethics and offers insights that can enrich a Christian approach to politics. Christians might support conservative policies on moral issues while advocating for liberal approaches to social justice. The key
lies in maintaining a Christ-centered focus, ensuring political engagement is informed by biblical values rather than partisan loyalty. The tension between conservatism and liberalism reflects the broader Christian challenge of living in the world while not being of it (John 17:14-16). In a pluralistic society, the Christian community is tasked with bearing witness to the Gospel through their political choices and daily lives, seeking to embody Christ's love, justice, and truth in all areas. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the Christian perspective serves as a reminder that ultimate allegiance belongs not to any political ideology but to the Kingdom of God. Christians are called salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16), shaping society in ways that reflect the values of the Gospel—whether through conservative, liberal, or other means.