Conservative or Liberal?

What does it mean to be conservative? Or to be liberal? What do these words imply? In our current vernacular these words are used as labels to describe the general dogma of an individual or group. They help us categorize ways of thinking. Seemingly any issue of political, social, and/or civic interest has a conservative as well as a liberal side. Whether it is correct or not, often these words are synonymously used to identify political affiliation – Republican and Democrat respectively. But at the very core, what is the fundamental difference between a conservative and a liberal?

In one context, liberal is defined as “given or provided in a generous and openhanded way,” or simply, “broadminded” (www.webster.com). Certainly there are many other definitions. But these definitions provide a decent idea of what a liberal believes and practices. Regarding morals, a liberal is marked by the attitude that all should define and choose their own values and standards. The liberal mindset would permit and accept a broad spectrum of moral ideologies. In this sense, they are “broadminded” and “openhanded.” One who is liberal allows others complete discretion in their respective lives. Moral right and wrong is determined by the individual’s own perception. Each person establishes his or her own truth.

In contrast to this unrestrained discretion, a conservative subscribes to an established, well-defined, even tangible moral code. Often, this code is established by a Supreme Being. One greater than all men and women instituted the truth. As such, the principles are universal. Right and wrong is not subjective; truth does not vary from one person to the next. The moral code encompasses all under the same social and even personal responsibilities.

To assert the virtue of his views, a liberal would point to the definition used above – claiming he is “broadminded” and “open” to all ways of thinking. He would even claim conservatives are intolerant for thinking there is only one correct way. And in fact, any conservative who truly understands his beliefs would agree. Conservatives are intolerant. They are intolerant of anything which conflicts with the truth. It is not intolerance of the individual. It is intolerance of error.

In Mitt Romney’s speech “Faith in America,” there was a phrase which was largely over-looked and not fully appreciated. He said, "Freedom requires religion just as religion requires freedom. Freedom opens the windows of the soul so that man can discover his most profound beliefs and commune with God. Freedom and religion endure together, or perish alone.”

The first sentence contains two assertions. First, “freedom requires religion,” and second, “religion requires freedom.” Governor Romney then briefly elucidated upon this second claim. He described why religion requires freedom - freedom allows full expression of one’s religious beliefs thereby enabling the individual to come closer to God. But what about the first declaration? What does Gov. Romney mean, “freedom requires religion?”

These three words address the fundamental difference between conservatives and liberals. The freedom we all enjoy is conditional. It requires an acknowledgment of the existence of God and adherence to His precepts. George Washington himself boldly declared, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor” (1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation).

The perpetuation of freedom is contingent upon correct observance of God’s principles. This is not a threat from God. He will not, in his anger, wrath, etc. revoke freedom and enslave people of any kind. But, as society exercises liberal discretion in weighty moral matters rather than firm devotion to God’s directives our freedom is threatened.

God’s doctrine shows us how to succeed and how to be happy – and freedom is part of that happiness. There is no other way than God’s way. So when we drift from what He has taught us we lose touch with that which ensures our freedom.

Thus, “freedom requires religion.” Freedom requires that we subscribe to and uphold God’s moral code. It is not bigotry or hatred which leads many to denounce a practice, behavior, or even a way of thinking. Rather it is their effort to preserve freedom the best they know how.