What Is A Conservative?
A few months ago it was my good pleasure to watch a very interesting television program. A well-known "conservative" political figure was being questioned by a panel of college students concerning his views.
One of the first questions asked was to this effect: "What is a conservative?" The gentleman's answer was something like this: "Actually, instead of being called a 'conservative,' I would prefer the word 'conservationist.' We all recognize a conservationist as one who is dedicated to the preservation of the natural beauty, wealth and resources of this great country. A 'conservative' is merely a conservationist in the political realm. He is dedicated to the preservation of the Constitution of these United States and the rights and privileges guaranteed therein. He is firmly opposed to any theory or trend which would, in its ultimate effect, weaken or deprive us of this, our greatest national resource."
As I listened to these eloquent words, it struck me that such remarks have direct application in the religious as well as the political realm. In the brotherhood today we hear frequent use of the terms "conservative" and "liberal." But what is a conservative? Adapting the words of the distinguished television speaker, a conservative is merely a conservationist in the spiritual realm. He is dedicated to the preservation of the gospel of Christ and the doctrine and practices which arise therefrom. He is firmly opposed to any theory or trend which would, in its ultimate effect, weaken or deprive us of this, our greatest and only guide and spiritual resource.
Another student asked the conservative politician, "Is it true that conservatives are opposed to progress?" The speaker answered by pointing out that such was a popular misrepresentation of the conservative position. He affirmed that the conservative view alone afforded the stimulus for real progress — progress within the framework of the Constitution.
So many times we hear the charge from our liberal brethren of how the conservatives cannot make any progress. But such charge is also a popular misrepresentation of the religious conservative position. We affirm without hesitation that by the conservative view alone can any real progress be made which will please our Father — progress within the framework of the Scriptures!
The conservative, then, is one who upholds, defends, and preserves as a spiritual conservationist, the worship, work, organization and doctrine outlined in the Constitution of the Kingdom of God which we know as the Gospel. He pleads for a return to the "old paths." He calls for a building "according to the pattern" in all things. He strikes out at every human theory and human institution which would compete with the Divine plan. He strives for that progress which, although not "highly esteemed in the eyes of men," is nevertheless the only real progress which matters — progress which honors and glorifies God and His word.
May God help us all to be "conservationists" in the government of our Divine King.
— 2424 McCarran St., North Las Vegas, Nevada