Conservatism

I believe that America by nature is conservative at its roots.  American was founded on the ideas of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as defined by the Declaration of Independence.  These ideas are grounded in the believe that we have a God given right to freely pursue what we feel is best for our own lives.  The Founders of America did not trust Government and did their best to put limits on it knowing that Government has a tenancy to lord over those underneath it and limit their freedoms.

America was built on the idea that our Creator is the granter of our our rights and can be known through His Word and His son Jesus Christ.  There was a strong connection between faith and politics and the “Wall of Separation between Church and State” was erected to protect the Church from the State, not the other way around.

I define myself as a small c conservative Christian because there is a difference between Conservative and conservative.  I use the term conservative to describe my Christian beliefs.  The dictionary definition of conservative is: disposed to preserve existing conditions, institutions, etc., or to restore traditional ones, and to limit change.  I believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and does not change therefore I am, by definition conservative.  Large C Conservative is more of a political idea and one that I typically adhere to as well but it does not define who I am.  It is based on the idea that the Constitution was drafted in the manner it was for a very specific reason, largely to limit the powers that  Government had over the people.  Politically, Conservatism adheres to the idea that if the Constitution does not explicitly give the Government those powers, then the Government does not have those powers.  The Constitution can be changed but there is a precisely defined process to go about Amending it.

The opposite of Conservatism/conservative is Liberalism/liberal.  While being liberal is not necessarily bad, Liberalism is just newspeak for Socialism.  Small l liberalism tends to have the description of being kind hearted, compassionate, and caring.  Those are all good things and should be natural feelings for those who take a conservative view of the Bible.  If Conservatism supports individual liberties and limited Government, Liberalism supports collective sameness and limited private ownership.  Those who adhere to Liberal ideology believe that the Government is the best organization to make sure everyone is treated fairly and that businesses act responsibly.  Since the definition of liberal says: favorable to progress or reform, as in political or religious affairs, people who describe themselves as liberal are always looking to change the Constitution or the Bible to fit current societal views.

“liberalism” is an emotional response and while there is a need for compassion and kindheartedness, there must be a set standard that does not change because emotions can lead us to act without looking at the consequences of those actions.  Politically, the Constitution is our standard for governing.  Socially, the Bible is our standard for living.  Together, those two sources made America the greatest country man ever established.  Over time, however, we have removed the Bible from society and ignored limitations from the Constitution.  Because of this we find ourselves at a crucial time in  America’s existence.  We are standing at a line that once crossed may never allow us to return.

We must return to America’s roots before those roots are cut and the country withers.