Rob Witham

OK, I will say it up front - I’m not Liberal but I am increasingly becoming liberal. Being liberal is something of a dirty secret if you hail from conservative Baptist roots like I do. Being called a liberal is quite an insult to a conservative. However, even we conservatives could use to learn a thing or two from our more liberal brothers and sisters.

In Christian circles conservatives have historically focused on sin and the need for salvation; liberals have historically focused on social issues - a focus that came to be called a social gospel - while placing less focus on sin, salvation and holiness. I would suggest that perhaps both conservatives and liberals are missing something.

• Conservatives are right when they are concerned with sin, personal salvation and holiness. The Scriptures are quite clear on these topics. I make no apologies for my position that everyone is in need of salvation and we are then called to live a life of holiness.
• Liberals are right when they are concerned with ministering to people’s physical needs. Conservatives too easily ignore the fact that Jesus and the apostles were quite concerned with ministering to physical needs. When conservatives parrot the Republican political party and dismiss social responsibility on the pretense that those in need are responsible for their situation and therefore are responsible to fix their own problems liberals are rightfully frustrated. This sort of conservative arrogance defies clear Biblical teaching that those who follow Jesus are called to minister to and serve the poor and downtrodden.

Conservatives and liberals both bring something to the discussion. The reality is that we are called to follow Jesus not a political party or ideology.