Discussion: Has Conservatism Changed?
Sunday November 5, 2006
A forum member writes:There is no doubt in my mind that conservatism has changed in the last 50 years or so. When I think about traditional conservatism in the West, I think of the true Christian spirit -- helping the poor, caring and speaking for those who can't care/speak for themselves. I am all for conservatism in that sense. But today, conservatism seems to have become a new breed of social Darwinism. Instead of caring for the poor, the new conservatism becomes anti-poor and pro-rich. What has happened?
Do you agree with Ken that there has been a dramatic shift in the nature of Western political and social conservatism? Has the "conservative" spirit moved from a defense of the poor to a defense of the rich, or has this in fact always been a fundamental part of conservatism? Read More...
Comments
Hehe, this is funny. Ken described liberalism as his definition for conservatism.
Ken, there are two approaches to Xianity. The bible thumping hellfire, sin and damnation type and the turn the other cheek, love thy neighbor and help the needy type. The former are the conservatives/republicans, the latter liberals/democrats.
One uses religion as a power base to use fear of punishment in the afterlife, “do as we say or you’ll go to hell”. The other paid more attention to the new testament, where god is loving and forgiving. There faith is supposed to inspire good deeds, not compel obedience.
Don’t get into the “true xian spirit” thing. That’s not going to get you anywhere due to the No True Scotsman Fallacy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_true_Scotsman
Gay bashing, jew hating, abortion doctor shooting folk consider themselves true xians, and you the one who lost their way in their eyes.