In What Way “Liberal” or “Conservative”?
The terms “liberal” and “conservative” have been convenient terms in politics and religion to describe someone as regards their relation to the US Constitution (politics) or the Bible (religion). A person is taking liberties with the constitution or the Bible and so the term is used to show objection. When a person is described as “conservative”, it means that they are trying to stay close to the Constitution or to Bible authority. Being careful with the authority of the Constitution or the Bible is trying to be conservative or careful with the source of authority and handle it respectfully. These labels may be useful in some contexts, but generally need further explanation. Sometimes they are too conveniently used to dismiss people without a fair hearing. Therefore, we should explain what we mean rather than just use these as labels.
CHANGES IN CHURCHES OF CHRIST HAVE CREATED A NEED TO FINE TUNE THE DESCRIPTIVE USE OF THE TERMS "LIBERAL" AND "CONSERVATIVE".
There are many different areas in which a person or church may be either “liberal” or “conservative”. The following areas will help us determine the area of thought or practice in which a certain person or church may be found to be “liberal” or “conservative”.
A. AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE
1. The liberal view of the Bible is that it is either:
a. subject to error (fallible),
b. insufficient to guide us completely,
c. an inspiring document but not the authoritatively inspired revelation of God.
2. Notice how loose or liberal this view has to be with such passages as 2 Tim..3:16-17; 2 Jn..9; Matt.28:18 20; 2 Pet.1:19f
The view that is most conservative with the issue of authority is the view that the Bible is complete, giving us God’s full will, and is authoritative for all issues of faith and practice.
1. The liberal view is to view the cross of Christ as an insufficient appeal or incentive in reaching out to the lost and drawing him to God. Entertainment, recreational facilities and events are used to cover the painful gospel "hook" with a more appealing kind of bait. They will get the hook after they come for the bait.
2. This view will often study a variety of marketing techniques to out do the denominational competitors. This attitude takes a liberal view of such passages as I Cor.1 3. Follow this line of reasoning:
a. If the eloquence of a speaker should not be the attraction, and
b. If nothing should be the attraction but the message of the cross, then,
c. Entertainment, facilities, music, gymnasiums, etc., should not be allowed to be the basis of appeal to people. Nothing but the cross, the story of man’s deepest needs addressed in Jesus and Him crucified, should be the appeal of the church of Christ.
C. WORK OF THE CHURCH
1. The liberal view of the work of the church is that it should include in its scope of work: 1) secular education, 2) recreation, 3) social services such as Kindergarten, Mother’s Day Out, and 4) even medical services.
2. It takes a liberal view of such passages as (1 Tim..3:15; 5:16; Eph.4:12; Acts 6:1-4.)
3. The conservative view looks at these passages and sees that the main work of the church is to hold up the gospel. The church is the pillar and ground of the truth. Thus, this is the main work, and the above verses will show that it will take care of benevolent needs among the members when that need arises, but the soul needs take precident over the body, and the church engages work together accordingly.
D. FINANCING THE WORK
1. The liberal view is that the church may use rental, car washes, raffles, etc. to raise money for its work. They don’t feel a need to limit themselves to a particular pattern. ( I Cor.16:1 3; I Cor.9:7 9) They reason that the Bible doesn't say NOT to do these things.
2. The conservative view is that the Bible tells how and when to raise funds and the pattern of sound words sets the limits within which to operate.
E. UNIT OF ACTION
1. The liberal view is that several congregations may team up in area wide, state wide, and national projects. Those holding this view think they see authority for it in uniting and giving toward the emergency situations described in the New Testament where several churches sent aid to a church in physical need. Therefore, it is concluded, churches can create a "need" of any kind and appeal to brethren everywhere for financial support. In doing this, the “united” churches take a liberal view of the local church as God's independent unit of action. (Phil.4:14 18; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet.5:1f)
2. The conservative view is that the local church is sufficient as God’s unit of action in evangelism and in benevolence. That sufficiency is always within its own ability until circumstances beyond their control puts them in emergency need of help.
F. ORGANIZATION
1. The liberal view is that organization between churches can be had by assigning boards, inter-congregational committees to control and direct certain aspects of church work bigger than a local church can handle. This view was seen in the Christian Missionary Society of the 19th century and later in the various evangelistic and benevolent organizations of the 20th century such as the Herald of Truth broadcast and benevolent institutions like Potter's Home and Childhaven, etc. These organizations tied several churches into a supportive role for the human institution.
2. The conservative view is to limit ourselves to the Bible pattern of churches organizing only on a local scale (Phil.1:1), each church working independently, but concurrently at the same kind of work with the same mission.
G. MORAL PURITY
1. The liberal view allows for immoral behavior to go unmarked, unreproved, and tolerated under an umbrella of grace and love. There is danger in accepting a liberal view of such things as adulterous marriages, because eventually, by the same rationale, homosexuality and many other vices will sooner or later be reasoned under that same umbrella of “grace”, etc. This view deals very loosely with such passages as I Cor.5; 2 Thess.3; Tit.3:10 11; Rom.16:17f; Matt.5:32; 19:9; etc.
2. The conservative view is to mourn over sin and seek to encourage repentance as such issues arise among the members. Teaching on moral issues is to be encouraged, not discouraged.
H. WORSHIP: DESIGNED BY GOD? OR, BY MAN? (JN.4:24; I COR.11, 14)
1. The liberal view is that what we do in assembly to worship God can be designed by human wisdom and desire.
2. The conservative view of scripture is that worship has always been regulated by God from the worship of Cain and Abel (Gen.4) through the Mosaic Tabernacle period (Lev.10) and on into the New Testament. Therefore, we must conduct our worship in the way that fits the pattern of sound words. Doctrines of men can corrupt and make our worship “in vain”. (Matt15:8-9; Col.2.)
TWO SOURCES FOR AUTHORITY
1. The revelation of God’s mind and will (1 Cor.2; Eph.3:1-4)
2. The COMPLETE guide (Eph.3:1-4; 2 Tim.3:16-17; Jn.16:13)
3. God’s religion abides within the boundaries of this revelation (2 Jn.. 9-10).
1. There is a religion to support every human desire (thus hundreds of different denominations today)
2. This serves MAN’S interests, but not God’s interests
3. This creates conflict of interest (supporting and maintaining a human division is a sinful work of the flesh – Gal.5:19f).
WE MUST GET BACK TO THE BIBLE FOR AUTHORITY OR ADMIT THERE IS NO AUTHORITY HIGHER THAN HUMAN DESIRE.
This article demonstrates that churches have lost their sense of direction and need to get back to biblical authority for everything, learning how to properly use the Bible, and how to use it in establishing authority for what we do as a local church and the individuals of His greater universal body or church. Has this generation “lost the book”? Or, will you do all within your power to make sure ours is the generation that will step up to the challenge of holding up the book of God as a light that every man, woman, and child so desperately needs? Will YOU “hold fast the pattern of sound words”?
Terry W. Benton
