I Am a Classic Liberal
At the out set, my goal is to redeem a ‘dirty’ word from the clutches of unprincipled "social conservativism” which is neither social, nor conserving anything. What for too long has been suppressed is the reality that modern honest social conservatives are actually classic liberals and that modern social conservatism is a pauper wearing royal robes. I write this as a political nomad. The GOP and Democratic party do not represent the political theology of Bible believing Christians. For people of conscience this is a confusing time. I hope this article will show you the historical roots of the classic liberalism, and convince you to at least consider calling yourself one too.
Classical liberalism, which champions individual rights, personal freedoms, and limited government, has roots in the Christian worldview. While classical liberalism emerged during the Enlightenment, its foundational ideas were heavily influenced by Christian beliefs about human nature, morality, and the role of government. The Christian understanding of human dignity, freedom, and responsibility played a key role in shaping the principles that define classical liberalism today.
One of the central ideas in classical liberalism is the belief in the inherent dignity and worth of the individual. Christianity teaches that all people are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), which gives every person intrinsic value. This understanding of human dignity laid the groundwork for the liberal idea that each person has natural rights, such as the right to life, liberty, and property. These rights, which classical liberalism defends, reflect the Christian belief that every person is worthy of respect and free to make their own choices.
The concept of freedom is another area where the Christian worldview influenced classical liberalism. Christianity emphasizes the importance of free will—the ability to choose between good and evil—and teaches that true freedom is found in living according to God’s moral order. Classical liberalism adopted this understanding of freedom, advocating for a society where individuals could freely pursue their own goals and aspirations, as long as they did not infringe on the rights of others. In this sense, classical liberalism aligns with Christianity’s idea of freedom, which is not about doing anything one desires, but about making morally responsible choices.
Moreover, Christianity’s influence can be seen in the classical liberal emphasis on limited government. The Bible teaches that human beings are inherently flawed and need moral guidance. While Christians believe that government should promote justice, they also recognize that no earthly government is perfect, and therefore, it should be limited in scope. Classical liberals, influenced by this perspective, argue for a government that protects individual rights without overstepping its bounds. They believe that government’s primary role is to protect the freedoms of its citizens, not to dictate every aspect of their lives.
Additionally, Christian teachings about justice and moral order played a key role in shaping the classical liberal view of law. Christianity teaches that justice is based on moral principles that reflect God’s nature, and this understanding influenced the development of laws that protect individual rights. Classical liberals adopted the idea that laws should be based on reason and moral order, ensuring that individuals have the freedom to live according to their values, as long as they respect the rights of others.
In conclusion, the Christian worldview laid the foundation for many of the core principles of classical liberalism. The belief in human dignity, individual freedom, and limited government all find their origins in Christian teachings about the nature of humanity, morality, and justice. While classical liberalism developed as a distinct political and philosophical movement, its ideas were deeply shaped by the Christian worldview, and it continues to reflect many of the values found in Christian thought.
