A Conservative election view: Building on the past

As a Christian Conservative I have a realistic view of politics and the role of the state, which leans on the fundamental Biblical understanding of a fallen humanity (Gen. 3) in need of Christ’s redemption.

Conservatives do not use a blank canvas to paint a plan to fit in with the needs of a modern age, nor do we seek to impose an ideological blueprint on society, and certainly not misuse a Biblical one. Rather, Conservatism is the idea that we can build on what needs conserving from the past.

These inherited values from previous generations may take a different form for a modern age, but are respected and passed on. Conservatism has an inherent respect for institutions; a Biblically infused respect for authorities (Rom. 13:1-5) – to restrain evil and promote good (Rom. 13:4-5) – and will prioritise the state’s role to provide law and order and defend our realm.

Conservatives champion the God-given freedom of individuals from whatever background to create and flourish (Gen. 1). In an age of identity politics it is no surprise that Christian Conservatives are at the forefront of culture battles on gender and the importance of the family, and are more at home in the culture and history of our nation whilst striving for improvement.

Conservatives are big on the value of trust. As we know from the very beginning, we are designed and called to be good stewards (Gen.1:26-31), holding all creation in trust from God under ordained authorities. Christian Conservatives recognise the importance of passing on good things to the next generation.

Marriage and the family (Gen. 2:24, Heb. 13:4, Eph. 5:25) is the key institution at the heart of Conservatism, supporting values of trust, sacrifice and service within and between generations. Search for ‘marriage’ and ‘family’ in speeches in Parliament and you will primarily get Christian Conservatives defending the family.

Conservatism is woven with a positive view of the individual. It recognises and fulfils the Christian principle of human dignity created by our loving God (Gen. 1:26-31).

It means that Conservatives will often be the champions of human dignity, from the unborn child, through to the victims of modern slavery and the persecuted church, to the terminally ill adult.

It also leads to a distinctly positive view of enterprise and wealth creation based upon the freedom to decide how God wants us to use our talents and our wealth from the work we do. With individual freedom comes responsibility, not least to the poor and needy (Deut.15:11, Prov. 29:7). Conservatism, though, recognises that individuals not governments generate wealth, valuing the freedom of individuals to flourish and freely trade. However it also is a restraint on unbridled capitalism, through supporting a moral foundation based on trust and mediating structures like families, churches and other voluntary associations.

Conservatives therefore judge the value of society primarily not by the size of the state or markets but by the strength of families and voluntary associations to care for others. (Deut. 15:11, Matt. 25:44 -45).