The term “conservative” often surfaces in discussions, yet its meaning can be surprisingly elusive, especially within Christian circles. Recently, a conversation at a community meal highlighted this very ambiguity. A student remarked on meeting a “conservative” who didn’t adhere to cessationism, sparking a debate about the multifaceted nature of the word. It became clear that “conservative” was being used in various ways – theological, anti-miraculous, anti-worldly, and political – leading to confusion and hindering meaningful dialogue. This article aims to clarify these different interpretations of “conservative” as used by Christians, helping to navigate these conversations with greater understanding.
Four Meanings of “Conservative” in Christian Contexts
Within Christianity, “conservative” is not a monolithic term. It encompasses several distinct perspectives, each carrying its own nuances and implications. Understanding these different meanings is crucial for clear communication and avoiding misunderstandings.
1. Theological Conservative: Belief in the Bible’s Truthfulness
This is perhaps the most historically rooted use of “conservative” within Christianity. Emerging from the fundamentalist-modernist controversy of the last century, “theological conservative” describes Christians who affirm the Bible’s complete truthfulness and authority. This includes belief in core historical doctrines such as the virgin birth of Christ and the literal resurrection of Jesus. Theological conservatism stands in contrast to “theological liberalism,” which questions the Bible’s inerrancy and often challenges its historical claims. For theological conservatives, the Bible is the ultimate guide for faith and practice, and they hold firmly to its teachings across all areas it addresses.
2. Anti-Miraculous Conservative: Skepticism Towards Modern Miracles
Another way “conservative” is used relates to views on miracles. “Anti-miraculous conservatives” believe that the miraculous gifts described in the New Testament, such as healing, prophecy, and speaking in tongues, were specific to the apostolic age and ceased with the death of the apostles. This perspective, known as cessationism, suggests that these miraculous manifestations are not intended to be a regular part of contemporary church life. At one extreme, some anti-miraculous conservatives might even attribute unexplained phenomena to demonic influence, emphasizing a cautious approach to claims of modern-day miracles.
3. Anti-Worldly Conservative: Separation from “Worldly” Activities
The term “conservative” can also describe Christians who advocate for a lifestyle distinctly separate from “worldly” influences. “Anti-worldly conservatives” go beyond simply avoiding activities explicitly prohibited in the Bible, such as adultery or theft. They often extend this separation to include activities not directly condemned but considered “worldly,” such as dancing, certain types of clothing, or entertainment like movies. This perspective emphasizes a desire to live a life of holiness and purity, often drawing clear boundaries around what is deemed acceptable or unacceptable behavior for Christians in the world.
4. Political Conservative: Alignment with Right-Wing Politics
Perhaps the most complex and often confusing use of “conservative” is in the political realm. In the United States, a “political conservative” generally aligns with the right wing of the Republican Party. This political usage is often juxtaposed with “political liberal,” associated with the left wing of the Democratic Party. The challenge arises when this political connotation overshadows the other meanings of “conservative,” especially within Christian discourse. While some Christians may hold politically conservative views, it’s crucial to recognize that this is a separate dimension from theological or other forms of conservatism.
Navigating the Overlap: Combinations of “Conservative”
The complexity deepens when we realize that these different meanings of “conservative” can overlap and combine in various ways within individuals and groups. Consider these common combinations, particularly among those who identify as theological conservatives:
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Theological conservative + anti-worldly conservative + anti-miraculous conservative: This combination is often found within Fundamentalist traditions. These Christians typically hold strong beliefs in biblical inerrancy, maintain a separation from worldly culture, and are cessationist in their view of miracles.
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Theological conservative + anti-worldly conservative, but not anti-miraculous conservative: Pentecostal Christians often fit this category. They share a commitment to theological conservatism and separation from worldliness, but they are open to the continuation of miraculous gifts in the present day.
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Theological conservative + anti-miraculous conservative, but not anti-worldly conservative: Many Evangelicals align with this combination. They hold to theological conservatism and cessationism, but may engage more freely with contemporary culture than anti-worldly conservatives.
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Theological conservative, but neither anti-worldly conservative nor anti-miraculous conservative: Charismatic Christians may fall into this category. They are theologically conservative but are typically open to both engaging with culture and embracing the continuation of miraculous gifts.
These combinations illustrate that “conservative” is not a singular label but a spectrum of beliefs and practices. It’s essential to discern which meaning is intended in any given conversation to avoid miscommunication.
The Confusion and the Path Forward
The diverse uses of “conservative” can lead to significant confusion, especially when political connotations dominate the discussion. It becomes frustrating when theological points are misinterpreted through a political lens. The author of the original article grapples with this very issue, questioning whether “conservative” remains a helpful term for describing theological convictions.
While “evangelical” once served to denote theological conservatism, its meaning has broadened, encompassing those who may not fully adhere to biblical inerrancy. Terms like “conservative evangelical” or “Bible-believing Christian” attempt to provide greater clarity. “Inerrantist evangelical” is another option, though the term “inerrancy” itself may be unfamiliar to many.
Ultimately, the challenge lies in promoting clear communication. Recognizing the different facets of “conservative” is the first step. In conversations, particularly within Christian contexts, it’s vital to clarify which meaning of “conservative” is being used. While finding a perfect substitute term remains an ongoing discussion, fostering awareness of the existing ambiguities is crucial for more fruitful and accurate dialogue.
This post and other resources are available at Kindle Afresh: The Blog and Website of Kenneth Berding.
