Examples Of Evangelical Conservatism

Evangelicals and Modern Conservatism: Intellectual Allies Conservatism is often an umbrella term used to describe an array of beliefs. In American politics, the word conservative in and of itself does not explain what someone believes. Under this umbrella, two main sects are present in contemporary politics. There are modern and neo-conservative ideas, whose views are elucidated by Russel Kirk and Irving Kristol, and evangelical conservatism, whose views are explained by Francis Schaeffer, and are also laid out by James Ault and Michael Gerson. When it comes to political ideology and general beliefs, both sides agree on most of the major issues. These sides diverge when it comes to their political engagement, their roots, and I will discuss

First, they agree that a lot of misconceptions about conservatism (both sides) comes down to the error of liberal scholars, and this bias leads to anti-religious/anti-conservative sentiments. Secondly, both sides revere ‘traditional’ family values, which can also help explain their reverence for their ancestors. Finally, they both believe in a transcendental moral order. Then I will contrast these two groups starting with how their political engagement differs. Then I will discuss the divergence in their political community, and finally the One thing that modern (I will use modern conservative to encompass neo-conservatives as well) conservatives and evangelical conservatives agree with is that liberal scholars, or the liberal elites of society have spread many misconceptions about both kinds of conservatism. This has led to anti-religious

For conservatives, especially evangelicals, the family (included extended family) is the “building blocks for Organizational life” (Ault 36) However, the liberal elites in society have redefined the traditional family, which makes many conservatives feel like their main value is being attacked. Liberal’s assert that main elements of a family should be love, feelings, communication, and sexual pleasure (between husband and wife) and equality in the private sphere. This view goes against both conservatives’ idea of the traditional family. On the equality in the private sphere, Ault argues that although traditionally men tend to the family head, woman still have an immense influence within the family, and thus society because as stated before, family is the building blocks for organizational life. Woman influence the family which in turn influences societal life. Each hold influence in his or her own right, and this influence is important in different ways. Furthermore, liberals have too much faith in love. This focus on love and intimacy has led to a high divorce rate because it puts much more stress on the family and the marriage. Conservatives argue that “families are not about ‘love, but about sensed affection, plus above all, absolute commitment.” (Kristol 1. 57) Liberals are trying to