What is religious liberalism and conservatism?
Introduction. We often hear the terms "liberal" and "conservative" in a political context today. While each has variable definitions depending on whom you talk to, political "liberalism" tends to favor individual rights and freedoms, trying new things, social programs, abortion rights, and gay rights. In contrast, political "conservatism" tends to favor law and order, sticking to proven things, individual accountability, being pro-life, and traditional family values.
While these two terms cannot be found in the Bible, from a religious perspective equivalent attitudes and principles can be, especially related to law/authority, personal freedom/accountability, and traditional values.
Religious Liberalism. Generally speaking, this term would tend to favor personal religious freedom over compliance with scriptural law. Liberalism manifests itself in the rejecting of the scriptures as the infallible will of God. Those who embrace liberalism often advocate Jesus was not born of a virgin, was not really God in the flesh, and does not really have to be obeyed. Often they emphasize social justice along with gay rights and women's rights. They may have "contemporary" worship services that employ a variety of newer innovations, rock-like music, and uplifting sermons. They practice what they do often because "it feels good" or "I want to." Of such John wrote: "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God" (2 John 9).
Religious Conservatism. In contrast, religious conservatism tends to emphasize conformance to established religious authority. The religious conservative believes in and upholds the scriptures as an authoritative standard (1 Pet. 4: 11). He believes we must obey God's word (Matt. 7:21; Rom. 2: 6-9) and requires "book, chapter, and verse" authority for all religious practices. Of such John wrote: "...He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son" (2 John 9).
A Significant Difference Eternally. As defined above, these two attitudes lead in opposite directions religiously. One tends to adapt religious practices to changing times and societal norms while the other tends to emphasize sticking to the "old paths" (Jer. 6:16). As the scriptures indicate, the former is fraught with peril and leads to destruction while the other leads to eternal life (Prov. 21:2; Isa. 55:8-9; Matt. 7:13-14, 21, 24-27).
While these two terms cannot be found in the Bible, from a religious perspective equivalent attitudes and principles can be, especially related to law/authority, personal freedom/accountability, and traditional values.
Religious Liberalism. Generally speaking, this term would tend to favor personal religious freedom over compliance with scriptural law. Liberalism manifests itself in the rejecting of the scriptures as the infallible will of God. Those who embrace liberalism often advocate Jesus was not born of a virgin, was not really God in the flesh, and does not really have to be obeyed. Often they emphasize social justice along with gay rights and women's rights. They may have "contemporary" worship services that employ a variety of newer innovations, rock-like music, and uplifting sermons. They practice what they do often because "it feels good" or "I want to." Of such John wrote: "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God" (2 John 9).
Religious Conservatism. In contrast, religious conservatism tends to emphasize conformance to established religious authority. The religious conservative believes in and upholds the scriptures as an authoritative standard (1 Pet. 4: 11). He believes we must obey God's word (Matt. 7:21; Rom. 2: 6-9) and requires "book, chapter, and verse" authority for all religious practices. Of such John wrote: "...He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son" (2 John 9).
A Significant Difference Eternally. As defined above, these two attitudes lead in opposite directions religiously. One tends to adapt religious practices to changing times and societal norms while the other tends to emphasize sticking to the "old paths" (Jer. 6:16). As the scriptures indicate, the former is fraught with peril and leads to destruction while the other leads to eternal life (Prov. 21:2; Isa. 55:8-9; Matt. 7:13-14, 21, 24-27).