The Primary Difference Between Liberals and Conservatives, Part I

The first, greatest factor determining whether one is a Liberal or a Conservative is what one believes about the nature of humanity. Liberals view human beings as inherently good, but not particularly valuable. Conservatives take the opposite view; seeing people as inherently evil, but enormously valuable.

These two positions are in complete opposition to each other. At most, only one can be correct. Before deciding which that is, let’s look at the results each position has on one’s worldview.

If people are inherently good—if their first impulse is to do good—then the government’s role is one of facilitator. It exists to aid people in overcoming whatever might be preventing them from achieving success. If people are good, they should be allowed to do whatever they want to do. If they do evil, it is because they have been influenced or corrupted by some outside force, like society or religion.

If people are also not very valuable, then it doesn’t matter if their actions are destructive. Abortion, homosexuality, teen sex, pornography, the destruction of the traditional family, fatherless children, assisted suicide, euthanasia, drug use, crime, and political scandals are no big deal. In such a world, the way one feels trumps actual wellbeing, even the wellbeing of others. To those who do not value others much, Conservatives seem way too uptight.

If people are inherently evil—if their first impulse is to do wrong—then the government’s role is to restrain evil. If people’s hearts are evil, they should often be kept from doing what they want to do. To the extent that they do good—or even know about good—it is because of the influence of an outside force, i.e., God.

However, if we are also enormously valuable (because we are made in God’s image), then government should pass laws to protect us from each other. Abortion, homosexuality, teen sex, pornography, etc., are not matters of personal choice, but are activities damaging to the common good, and need to be legislated against. Individual wellbeing (as defined by God) trumps feelings or desires. To people who hold this view, Liberals seem dangerous.

So which position best describes the way we really are? Come back next time for an answer.

P.S. If you disagree with the above, or you find parts of yourself in both positions, odds are you regularly vote against your own most treasured values.