What does it mean to be theologically conservative?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Being theologically conservative means holding to historic, orthodox Christian doctrine. It is based on key convictions about Scripture, namely, that it is God-breathed, without error, and sufficient for a Christian's needs in godly living (2 Timothy 3:16–17). It argues for a fixed body of doctrine that is passed along (Jude 3), free from the addition of man-made traditions, and warns against any distortions, particularly of the Gospel (Galatians 1:6–9). It also attempts to apply Scripture in a way that honors the original author’s intent. It contrasts with other theological positions, such as liberalism, which rose to prominence in the eighteenth century, questioned inspiration and reliability, and introduced readings of Scripture in which meaning is shaped more by human perspective than by the author’s original intent.

Just because something is in the stream of conservative theology does not necessarily make it correct. Everything must be tested by Scripture (Acts 17:11). However, as a rule, it handles Scripture carefully and faithfully. It is imperative that we read Scripture in a theologically conservative manner because God told us everything we need to know about Him, Jesus, ourselves, and how to be saved. If we stray from the original meaning, then we will no longer hear God correctly!

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Scripture teaches a few principles that guide how it should be read and understood. First, every attempt must be made to pass it along faithfully (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). Second, one must take care that nothing is added or subtracted (i.e., Deuteronomy 4:2). Third, all teaching, but particularly teaching about Scripture, must be evaluated by what Scripture actually says (Isaiah 8:20). Fourth, teaching must be tested because false teachers regularly try to distort it (Jeremiah 23:16–22).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Scripture provides key passages that help outline the basis for conservative theology. First, it is God-breathed and sufficient for godly living (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Second, believers are to be devoted to the apostle’s teaching (Acts 2:42). That means understanding what they intended to teach and then following that. Third, doctrine must be guarded (2 Timothy 1:13–14) to prevent error from creeping in, particularly regarding the Gospel (Galatians 1:6–9). Fourth, people like false teaching, so it’s a dangerous trap requiring teachers to be careful (2 Timothy 4:3–5). Fifth, Scripture is considered to be a complete body of truth to be passed along undistorted to future generations of believers (Jude 3).
• While a theologically conservative stance seeks to align with these biblical principles, that doesn’t mean every theologically conservative belief is valid. Everything we believe must conform to Scripture, so even conservative theology must be checked and refined using Scripture (Acts 17:11).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Theological conservatism seeks to understand what Scripture means by examining what the authors meant and then to obey the natural implications of that meaning. So, what does Scripture teach us? It teaches us that:

God created the world (Genesis 1) including all people, men and women (Genesis 2).

We were created in God’s image and given purpose to rule the world (Genesis 1:26–27).

We rebelled against God, doing what He forbade (Genesis 3:1–7).

After we rebelled, God justly punished us by judging us with corruption and death (Genesis 3:14–19; Romans 5:12).

Judgment and our sin make us God’s enemies (Romans 5:10).

As His enemies, God's wrath that is on us now (John 3:36) continues throughout eternity (Revelation 20:15).

That's a big problem! However, Scripture also teaches us that God is merciful (Ephesians 2:4) and loving (1 John 4:8). He demonstrated this by sending His Son, Jesus (John 3:16). Jesus, eternally God (John 1:1), took on human nature (Philippians 2:6–7). In His humanity, He was exactly like us, except without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus did not have to die, but He did so willingly (John 10:18) so He could be a propitiation, a blood sacrifice that appeased God’s wrath (Romans 3:25). Because of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, He is the only way to salvation (John 14:6). When we repent of our sin and trust in His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins (Romans 10:9–10), we can be saved!

These key truths are what we must hold onto and apply. We don't rewrite them based on what culture says. We hold onto them because they're what God has told us.

UNDERSTAND

• Being theologically conservative means holding to the original teachings of Scripture and preserving them faithfully.
• Being theologically conservative emphasizes aligning doctrine with the Bible’s intended meaning, rather than adapting it to cultural trends.
• Being theologically conservative leads us to repentance.

REFLECT

• How do you personally determine whether your beliefs are shaped more by Scripture or by cultural influences?
• In what areas of your thinking might you be tempted to reinterpret Scripture rather than submit to its original meaning?
• What steps can you take to ensure you are handling Scripture carefully and faithfully?

ENGAGE

• What are some modern cultural pressures that most often challenge or reshape how people understand biblical truth today?
• How do we make sure we are actually preserving the original meaning of Scripture rather than unintentionally reading our own ideas into it?
• How can we distinguish between faithfully preserving doctrine and simply holding to tradition?