Understanding a Conservative Christian - Introduction II

This is the second article in the series "Understanding a Conservative Christian":
(3) Origins
(2) Introduction - Part II
(1) Introduction

This is the second introductory post to the forthcoming series "Understanding a Conservative Christian". My intention was to proceed on to the topic of Origins, but I realized there were a few points that I didn't cover in the first introduction.

Biblical Authority

In my description of worldviews in my previous post I mentioned that I believe in a Biblical worldview. This worldview holds the text of the Bible (the word of the Creator God) as the central means of interpretation of the difficult issues we face. The Biblical worldview holds the Bible to be authoritative - and with good reason.

Even if you don't agree with what's contained within the Bible, you have to agree that it's a pretty amazing book*: Composed by over 40 authors over the span of many centuries it retains remarkable consistency, both internally as well as externally to historical and archaeological records. Even more remarkable the Bible contains many prophecies or predictions about the future - many of which have been shown to be true and none of which have been shown to be false. It is the top best-seller of all time.

When faced with the above evidence there are two apparent choices:

1. Assume the mysterious nature of the Bible's consistency and other unique qualities are an elaborate hoax or the result of extreme coincidence.

2. Accept the Bible for what it claims to be: The divinely inspired words of God himself to us, his creation.

The more reasonable argument seems to clearly be the latter, and so I accept the Biblical worldview and thus use the words of God found in the Bible as a basis for my various beliefs. Thus you will note that as I review the various topics I intend to cover in this series I will make reference to specific Bible verses that I interpret to support those beliefs.

Note that while holders of a Biblical worldview agree on the authority of the Bible, there is much disagreement over how it's words are to be interpreted. Bible verses (like any quoted source) are easily taken out of context and used to justify actions and behaviors that are inconsistent with the remainder of the text. Even when not removed from context there can often be disagreement as to the exact meaning of a passage. You will note that some of my beliefs differ from the expected norm of "right-wing evangelicals" because of how I interpret specific passages. When in doubt about the interpretation of a passage I think of Jesus' description of the greatest commandments (Mark 12:29-31) and try to pick the interpretation that best matches:

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

*Here's a link to a more detailed description of the stunning case for Biblical authority. Note that I found this link on a google search and know nothing of the organization which published it.

The "Justice and Compassion" Principle

The second thing I wanted to mention was what I've termed the Justice and Compassion principle. There may be a better name for it (and there probably is) - but it's not coming to me now. The basis of the principle is that we as humans generally desire to see justice and compassion carried out. Unfair circumstances or situations bother us. We as humans find them disagreeable, and wish to see them remedied. For example: there is general agreement among humans of most worldviews that we should help the poor. Liberals and conservatives don't disagree on this point - they simply disagree on the best method to help them.

Now, a caveat - I'm not saying that everyone places justice and compassion in a position of primacy. We are all susceptible to allowing our own selfish interests to be placed ahead of these. For a plethora of examples look to most any person or group in a position of power (political, social, economical, etc.). I would argue that this conflicted nature (compassion/justice vs. selfishness/greed/pride) is Biblical and a result of our internal struggle between our sinful nature and God's nature (who we have acquired inherent knowledge of by being formed in His image as His Creation).

Barring the insurgence of selfishness, however, I believe most all of us wish to see good done; justice and fairness to prevail; and the needy to be cared for. I believe this of most atheists, progressives, and others who disagree with my viewpoints. Therefore I will make no attempt to demonize those opposed to my viewpoints. We all want the same thing - we just disagree as to the best way to get there. The slogan of the Salvation Army is "Doing the Most Good" and I think that applies here. When it comes to any controversial political topic - from global warming to abortion to terrorism there are many approaches. The key is to finding the one that is most effective.

I take seriously Jesus' commandments that were quoted above. I'm certainly not perfect (indeed I have many faults) - but I do try and adjust my life daily to better fit Jesus model of loving God and loving others. Thus, in future articles I will attempt to argue that my positions are "doing the most good" because I believe them to be in-line with this love that Jesus advocated.

Your comments and discussion are welcome.

This is the second article in the series "Understanding a Conservative Christian":
(3) Origins
(2) Introduction - Part II
(1) Introduction

This is the second introductory post to the forthcoming series "Understanding a Conservative Christian". My intention was to proceed on to the topic of Origins, but I realized there were a few points that I didn't cover in the first introduction.

Biblical Authority

In my description of worldviews in my previous post I mentioned that I believe in a Biblical worldview. This worldview holds the text of the Bible (the word of the Creator God) as the central means of interpretation of the difficult issues we face. The Biblical worldview holds the Bible to be authoritative - and with good reason.

Even if you don't agree with what's contained within the Bible, you have to agree that it's a pretty amazing book*: Composed by over 40 authors over the span of many centuries it retains remarkable consistency, both internally as well as externally to historical and archaeological records. Even more remarkable the Bible contains many prophecies or predictions about the future - many of which have been shown to be true and none of which have been shown to be false. It is the top best-seller of all time.

When faced with the above evidence there are two apparent choices:

1. Assume the mysterious nature of the Bible's consistency and other unique qualities are an elaborate hoax or the result of extreme coincidence.

2. Accept the Bible for what it claims to be: The divinely inspired words of God himself to us, his creation.

The more reasonable argument seems to clearly be the latter, and so I accept the Biblical worldview and thus use the words of God found in the Bible as a basis for my various beliefs. Thus you will note that as I review the various topics I intend to cover in this series I will make reference to specific Bible verses that I interpret to support those beliefs.

Note that while holders of a Biblical worldview agree on the authority of the Bible, there is much disagreement over how it's words are to be interpreted. Bible verses (like any quoted source) are easily taken out of context and used to justify actions and behaviors that are inconsistent with the remainder of the text. Even when not removed from context there can often be disagreement as to the exact meaning of a passage. You will note that some of my beliefs differ from the expected norm of "right-wing evangelicals" because of how I interpret specific passages. When in doubt about the interpretation of a passage I think of Jesus' description of the greatest commandments (Mark 12:29-31) and try to pick the interpretation that best matches:

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

*Here's a link to a more detailed description of the stunning case for Biblical authority. Note that I found this link on a google search and know nothing of the organization which published it.

The "Justice and Compassion" Principle

The second thing I wanted to mention was what I've termed the Justice and Compassion principle. There may be a better name for it (and there probably is) - but it's not coming to me now. The basis of the principle is that we as humans generally desire to see justice and compassion carried out. Unfair circumstances or situations bother us. We as humans find them disagreeable, and wish to see them remedied. For example: there is general agreement among humans of most worldviews that we should help the poor. Liberals and conservatives don't disagree on this point - they simply disagree on the best method to help them.

Now, a caveat - I'm not saying that everyone places justice and compassion in a position of primacy. We are all susceptible to allowing our own selfish interests to be placed ahead of these. For a plethora of examples look to most any person or group in a position of power (political, social, economical, etc.). I would argue that this conflicted nature (compassion/justice vs. selfishness/greed/pride) is Biblical and a result of our internal struggle between our sinful nature and God's nature (who we have acquired inherent knowledge of by being formed in His image as His Creation).

Barring the insurgence of selfishness, however, I believe most all of us wish to see good done; justice and fairness to prevail; and the needy to be cared for. I believe this of most atheists, progressives, and others who disagree with my viewpoints. Therefore I will make no attempt to demonize those opposed to my viewpoints. We all want the same thing - we just disagree as to the best way to get there. The slogan of the Salvation Army is "Doing the Most Good" and I think that applies here. When it comes to any controversial political topic - from global warming to abortion to terrorism there are many approaches. The key is to finding the one that is most effective.

I take seriously Jesus' commandments that were quoted above. I'm certainly not perfect (indeed I have many faults) - but I do try and adjust my life daily to better fit Jesus model of loving God and loving others. Thus, in future articles I will attempt to argue that my positions are "doing the most good" because I believe them to be in-line with this love that Jesus advocated.

Your comments and discussion are welcome.

Understanding a Conservative Christian - Introduction II