Christianity, Conservatism, and the Cost of Confusion
Over the last decade (at least, if not longer), there has been a lot of conversation around the topic of politics and Christianity (including by me, admittedly). A common criticism is that the American church is splitting along party lines, with large segments “drifting left”, while other (perhaps even larger) segments are aligning themselves with the Republican party (and often the far-right wing of the party). Now, this post isn’t intended to rehash any of those arguments. Rather I want to focus on a defense that is being put forth by conservative political thinkers who suggest that being conservative can be “an on-ramp” to Christian belief.
In a recent editorial piece on World Radio, Andrew Walker (Managing Editor of World Opinions) referenced a study by the Pew Research Center that suggests (among other things) that “After many years of steady decline, the share of Americans who identify as Christians shows signs of leveling off – at least temporarily – at slightly above six-in-ten.”1 Walker’s argument goes something like this: According to the study, if one identifies as Christian, there is a higher likelihood he or she will have what are considered “conservative” political views. And the more one tends to have “liberal” political views, the less likely he or she is to identify as Christian. Therefore, Walker argues, being conservative is a good thing because “[t]here are parallel belief structures between conservatism and Christianity making them share an affinity without being synonymous.”
On its face, the argument seems reasonable. After all, there are statistics from a well-known and well-respected organization supporting his argument. However, statistics such as these rarely tell us “why” those relationships exist. Several assumptions have to be made to make the argument that Walker makes.
Beyond that, however (and of larger concern) is the idea that a single party has more “affinity” with Christianity than another. The implication is that “If you’re a Christian, this is the way you believe, think, act, feel, and vote.” It denies that there can be honest differences in perspectives when looking at Scripture. In addition, there are no “on-ramps” to the gospel. There may be “on-ramps” to “Christian belief,” but not to the gospel of Jesus. Mr. Walker is suggesting that following certain doctrinal beliefs is enough. According to Scripture–the authority for those who identify as Christians–that is not enough. There is only “one” door, and that is through repentance and faith in Jesus. (Notably, Mr. Walker talked a lot about “Christianity” and “Christian belief” but not Jesus or the gospel.)
What we have here is the furthering of a cultural version of Christianity that aligns with so-called conservatives. (Now, in fairness, there is also a cultural version of Christianity that tends to align more with so-called liberals. It’s typically characterized by the social gospel and things that flow out of that.) I say “the furthering” because cultural Christianity is not new. It stretches throughout the history of America, even to its founding.
It is right to say that the gospel is not political; it’s also right to say Christianity is not apolitical. The gospel of Jesus brings in its own political ideas and structures. It critiques and criticizes every political, social, economic, and religious system made by humans–because all of them are corrupted and tainted by sin. This is one of the main points that people miss in these arguments. The gospel calls us to live responsibly–i.e., in a manner worthy of the gospel. The gospel also calls us to prioritize the protection of and care for the vulnerable. The gospel imposes a single belief system upon us (which we may or may not fully understand); the gospel also recognizes and celebrates diversity in the midst of unity (not uniformity).
Don’t be fooled. Political philosophies will not win someone to Jesus. They may pull someone into a Christian belief system, but they have no power to change the heart–that is the gospel.
Gregory A. Smith, et al. “Decline of Christianity in the U.S. Has Slowed, May Have Leveled Off: Findings from the 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study”. Pew Research Center, February 26, 2025, https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/02/26/decline-of-christianity-in-the-us-has-slowed-may-have-leveled-off/. Accessed April 14, 2025.
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