At the close of the RNC last evening President Bush challenged John Kerry’s assertion that Kerry had “conservative values.” Why Kerry would want to be associated with “conservative values” is an interesting question in itself. But a more important question to consider is how are “conservative values” actually different from other values.
A very easy and common mistake for some to make is to equate conservative values with Christian values. That is a dangerous mixture of Luther’s “two kingdoms.” While there may be many similarities between the two types of values Christians can rightly disagree on many issues such as fiscal policy or the healthcare system. And fiscally conservative politicians can have very unchristian views on abortion and marriage.
When forming an opinion on any issue, a true conservative is different from a liberal in one primary area. Conservatives are “intergenerational.” Conservatives always consider what previous generations have done and what will be best for future generations. It's that simple. Conservatives have simply never been a part of the “Me” generation.
Very few people are able to keep a truly generational perspective on all issues but when we do we will rightly be able to defend our position as a “conservative value.”
