What defines you as conservative?

[Josh]

One of the real reliefs I found when I joined my present church group was abandoning an identity of being “conservative”.

[Ernie]

One of the real reliefs I found when I joined my present church group was abandoning an identity of being “conservative”.

Abandoning "conservative in favor of...???

[Josh]

One of the real reliefs I found when I joined my present church group was abandoning an identity of being “conservative”.

Abandoning "conservative in favor of...???

Holdemans never adopted an identity of being “conservative Mennonites”. They are just Christians and Mennonites.

Instead of referring to those less conservative as “liberals”, terms such as “worldly”, “losing conviction” or “discouraged” are used.

Being conservative isn’t seen as somehow inherently virtuous. (Neither is being liberal.)

[MaxPC]

One of the real reliefs I found when I joined my present church group was abandoning an identity of being “conservative”.

Abandoning "conservative in favor of...???

Holdemans never adopted an identity of being “conservative Mennonites”. They are just Christians and Mennonites.

Instead of referring to those less conservative as “liberals”, terms such as “worldly”, “losing conviction” or “discouraged” are used.

Being conservative isn’t seen as somehow inherently virtuous. (Neither is being liberal.)

I like that alternative nomenclature. It divorces the nomenclature of faith concepts from the incessant political droning.

[Wade]

Okay, this question is for those of you who consider yourself conservative. At a minimum this is a question for those who claim a two kingdom affiliation, head covering for women at the very least while praying or prophesying, permanence of marriage, modesty of dress as defined by the church in some way, not swearing of oaths, and non-resistant.

Why do you consider yourself conservative Christian? What is defining between you and liberal Christians? is it the bare minimum displayed above? or is there more specifics?

Love is something that is easily misunderstood. When looking at the example of Christ we see the perfect example of love. When we read 1 Corinthians 13 the love chapter we see that love involves selflessness, as the opposite of love described in this scripture is selfishness.

Christ calls us to deny-self or we cannot be His disciple. Self-denial is not something I have seen promoted in those who call themselves "liberal.". Meanwhile I see many examples of those called "conservative" restricting and denying self.

Unfortunately, much confusion arises from not a clear foundation on the teaching of Christ's selfless love and so restrictions can become a focus with some "conservatives." and even much more prevalent mindset in seeing restrictions as rules rather than a proper focus of self denial and looking to Christ with those leaving or left conservative settings. I don't see this as conservative but rather those that are living out a life of selfless loving sacrifice because of love of God and neighbour.

Therefore I think it is possible to be "conservative" without following Christ but impossible to follow Christ without denying self. And likewise it easily possible to be liberal and not follow Christ but impossible to follow Christ without being liberal in living out selfless love - to me that is conservative and why I am drawn to conservatives.