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Father, we pray for a return to politics and philosophy based on You. May revival come to America.
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Throughout history, faith and political conservatism have intertwined. Ideologically, conservatism serves as a beacon of traditional values, advocating for prudence, fiscal responsibility, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Yet what we are witnessing today in the landscape of political conservatism should cause alarm for those who put their faith in Christ. We are witnessing a perilous divorce between conservatism and its spiritual moorings.

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As we contemplate this severance, it is imperative to remember the essence of genuine conservatism and reevaluate the potential consequences of forsaking its spiritual roots.

The origins of conservatism find fertile ground in the rich tapestry of religious thought. Drawing inspiration from diverse theological principles, conservatism infused its values with the essence of compassion, humility, and empathy. From Edmund Burke’s reflections on the preservation of tradition to Russell Kirk’s reverence for the “permanent things,” it is evident that faith has played an instrumental role in the development of conservative political philosophy.[1]

Today, however, the landscape of American politics and international politics alike is marked by an unsettling trend towards a Christless conservatism, where faith has been relegated to the periphery of political discourse. In this alarming shift, self-proclaimed conservatives parade their ideological banners devoid of genuine spiritual grounding, choosing to overlook the sacred teachings that once illuminated their paths. The dangers inherent in this trajectory cannot be underestimated, for to sever the ties between faith and conservatism is to lose the very essence of authenticity. Ridding conservatism of the “permanent things”—i.e., morality, liberty, family—  leaves conservatism devoid of its value. It becomes an empty shell.

Our political beliefs are not inherently right simply because they were championed by the deepest thinkers, taught by the greatest scholars, or proven by the historical results of such policy. No, our political beliefs are only correct when based on the fundamental truths which cannot be changed. Of course, these fundamental truths are those of Scripture, the very Word of God.

At its core, conservatism cherishes the sanctity of human dignity and the inherent value of every individual. It acknowledges the flawed nature of humanity and calls for restraint and temperance in governance. In neglecting these Biblical truths, Christless conservatism becomes susceptible to devolving into a mere shell, sacrificing its compassion and inclusivity on the altar of cold pragmatism.

Furthermore, we already see that divorcing conservatism from its spiritual heritage has begun to breed an atmosphere of dogmatism—one that replaces reasoned discourse and genuine faith with a rigid adherence to ideology, political party, or elected leader. When true religion is cast to the wayside, that void is filled by another. In this case, Christless conservatism is creating a new, false religion of its own.

The importance of acknowledging the historical interplay between faith and conservatism cannot be overstated. Countless transformative leaders, driven by their spiritual convictions, have sought to usher in societal change. William Wilberforce’s relentless fight against slavery, Martin Luther King Jr.’s tireless pursuit of civil rights, and Mother Teresa’s unwavering commitment to the marginalized are all powerful testimonies to the strength of conservatism that is grounded in faith.

In recognizing the pitfalls of Christless conservatism, we must rekindle the conversation between faith and politics. This would not require the imposition of religious doctrines on a pluralistic society as a theocracy, but rather a sincere acknowledgement of the values that have shaped conservatism’s core. It calls for leaders to lead not just with political acumen but with a genuine understanding of a Biblical worldview which can serve as their moral compass.

To reestablish this symbiotic relationship between conservatism and its spiritual roots is to chart a course towards a more authentic and compassionate governance. We ought to embrace a conservatism that reflects the breadth and depth of our shared human experience, drawing wisdom from both sacred and secular sources to craft solutions that transcend mere political expediency, just as the Founding Fathers did in the early days of the colonies.

As we grapple with the complexities of our times, let us heed the warning signs of Christless conservatism and reawaken the church and our moral leaders to embrace the fundamental truths of God’s Word, his design for humanity, and the realities of our fallen world. The challenges before us demand not just the rigor of reason but the illumination of our spiritual heritage to guide us towards a more just and flourishing society.

[1] The Conservative Mind by Russell Kirk: https://kirkcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/API-Research-Kirk-The-Conservative-Mind.pdf
Reflections on the Revolution in France by Edmund Burke: https://www.supersummary.com/reflections-on-the-revolution-in-france/summary/

Share your thoughts on Christless conservatism in the comments.

This article was originally posted at Institute for Faith and Culture. Photo Credit: Sawyer Sutton/Pexels via Canva Pro.

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EARL SOBECK
May 3, 2024

I am not sure you can truly follow Christ’s “principles” without actually accepting Christ Jesus as your savior and Lord.

Amy
May 1, 2024

LORD, please work in the hearts of our citizens to truth. Father, You are the way, the truth, and the life! We honor You. Please lead many to repentance, in Jesus name.

Mark
April 29, 2024

The enemy seeks to divide us whether it’s an “America, love it or leave it” mentality or adherence to a political party, etc.. We must remember that Christ died for all of us. What matters is the Gospel and expanding the Kingdom of God. Jesus Christ is our foundation! I pray not only for the unity of Christians but also that we not only love each other but also that we love our enemies and pray for them. ” For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 ESV

Maynard E Beck Sr.
April 29, 2024

Excellent article!
I was pleased to see you included 2 of my favorites, Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King.
I visited an elementary school several years ago around Dr King’s birthday. One of the teachers had asked the children to write an essay about Dr King. There were about 18 or 20 essays displayed on the wall. The majority mentioned 3 things. He was a preacher, he got married, and he got civil rights laws passed. Only one mentioned his “I have a Dream speech…
Mark Wahlberg’s brother Jim produced an awesome documentary about Mother Teresa several years ago:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_Teresa%3A_No_Greater_Love#External_links
I have been trying to get people to share how the pro-choice advocates are in direct conflict with her, particularly the Clintons and Joe Biden.
She was the most admired person of the 20th Century.
https://news.gallup.com/poll/3367/mother-teresa-voted-american-people-most-admired-person-century.aspx

Please revisit Saint Mother Teresa’s speech to the National Prayer Breakfast (Sponsored by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives) February 3, 1994:
Notice that the Clintons are the only 2 people not applauding…

https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/mother-teresa-at-the-national-prayer-breakfast-2714

Was Joe Bidden standing up?
https://catholicexchange.com/hillary-clinton-and-mother-teresa/

Jesus said that anyone who harms “one of these little ones would be better off to have a millstone tied around their neck and dropped to the depths of the ocean.”

Consider the fate of those who rejoice over the 60 million “little ones” murdered by the MANUFACTURED “right to abortion” (Roe vs Wade)

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Gail Segars Rainey
April 28, 2024

Mr. Kirk, thank you for this profound article and now have a new term, “Christless Conservatism.” This is why I am so grateful for the many nonprofit organizations fighting for our inalienable rights in the Constitution today, such as the Heritage Foundation and many, many others that we support. Thank You, Lord, for the many conservatives who are grounded on Your Word and hold the crucial BIBLICAL WORLD VIEW NEEDED ALL AROUND THE WORLD!!! Thank You, Lord, for Your children who are obediently speaking up today as silence and inaction are not options. In the Name of Yeshua, Amen and amen.

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