Bible Question: What are some of the key differences between conservative and liberal beliefs and practices? Are these tags -- conservative and liberal -- really accurate, fair, meaningful and objective? --Hank |
Bible Answer: "Conservative" in Webster's Handy College Dictionary is defined as "1, opposed to change. 2, moderate; not extreme. 3, protecting from loss, waste, or injury. 4, preservative." Webster's New World College Dictionary adds, "'conservative.' tending to preserve established traditions or institutions and to resist or oppose any changes in these ... moderate, cautious, safe." As for "Liberal", Webster's Handy College dictionary states, "favoring progress and reform in social institutions, and the fullest practicable liberty of individual action ... 3, tolerant. 4, not strict." Webster's New World College Dictionary states for 'liberal'.. "4 not restricted to the literal meaning; not strict [a literal interpretation of the Bible] ... liberal implies tolerance of others' views as well as openmindedness to ideas that challenge tradition, established institutions, etc." So if we take these definitions for each word and apply them to church tradition, then it is interesting what we come up with.. I believe that these tags are used somewhat derisively, but in many instances the person or group (religious affiliation, denomination, political party) that is 'accused' of being liberal or conservative may take that as a 'compliment' instead of ridicule since it 'shows' that they are acting rather 'consistently' with their 'Character Alignment' (so to speak).. Nolan |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Bible general Archive 1 | Author | ||
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Makarios | ||
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Hank | ||
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Makarios | ||
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MGB | ||
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dbost | ||
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dbost | ||
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Ben M | ||
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prayon | ||
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Hank | ||
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taby815 | ||
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prophet |