Nestled in the Woods

I have always considered myself to be a conservative.  I have been conservative in my life style, my politics, and my religion.  More recently, however, I am questioning: Exactly what is the meaning of the word “conservative”? Synonyms for conservative suggest anything from old-fashioned to cautious.  Holding to traditions; sticking with conventions; conforming to the status-quo; lacking a sense of adventure; moderate in life style; careful or cautious of change: these describe the conservative individual.  I would venture to say that my ideology and practice would fall into at least some of those descriptions.   No where in these synonyms do I see hatred; yet, in today’s society the earmark of the so-called conservative is just that.  “Conservative” political leaders vent their frustrated quest for power by name-calling, innuendo, and even lie to promote their favorite candidate.  I might suggest that this is not peculiar to politics, but it is seen in the Church, in our schools, on the job, and behind the doors of our homes.  I ask: What is true conservatism?  If the hate-mongers are not true conservatives, what are they?  Am I really a conservative?
The word “conservative” comes from the word “conserve”, with the Latin root conservare, to keep or preserve.  It means, according to Webster, “to keep in a safe or sound state; to save; to preserve from loss, decay, waste or injury; to defend from violation—as to conserve the peace of society.”  (Is peace the operative word here?)  A conservative person, then, is one who tends to preserve traditions and institutions, resisting untried innovations and cultural or social change.  Often we hear the combined term “right-wing conservative”.  This is so-called because in the European tradition conservative politicians were seated on the right, while liberals were seated on the left of the governing chambers. True conservatism is, then, a belief that the government, religion, and yes, life is based upon what has worked in the traditions of the past to preserve the unity among the people.  Does that mean that when an innovation is suggested that it is rejected on the basis that it has never been done; therefore, it never shall be done?  I don’t think so.  In a family there are certain norms that keep the household in efficient operation.  There are expectations, rules, and attitudes, the infraction of which results in chaos.  The same can be said for the home, the Church, the workplace, the educational system, and the government.  At the same time, events, discoveries, outside influences, and learning may suggest change.  Those changes must be studied and run through a grid of basic beliefs, natural laws, and proprieties.  There must be an established norm by which to measure innovation and change.  The true conservative does this without destroying others who suggest change.
Destroying the reputation of others may be the natural result of hatred, unresolved personal conflict, and frustrated aspirations.  Looking to the opposite of these feelings we see the desired love, peace, and joy of a life that is molded by belief, and matured by thoughtfulness, and expressed in an outward look.  The true conservative takes life as it comes and faces it with maturity; and although he judges it by his beliefs, he considers change without demeaning his fellow man.  On the other hand, hatred toward others in the name of conservatism is merely a fraudulent pose—a parasitic drain on the true cause of conservatism—conserving the peace of society.  Hatred clings to a dying or faulty tradition, kicking and screaming like a toddler who refuses to have his blanket washed. Those who promote their issue with hatred and rude behavior are not true conservatives;
but rather, they are self-seeking, hard-shelled idolaters.
Am I a conservative?  Yes, if being so seeks to better the world I live in.  Yes, if I can assess circumstances, events, ideas through the grid of what I believe to be true.  I am not the so-called conservative who angrily accuses others in order to promote his particular brand of politics, religion, or life-style.  You may call me what you wish.  I like tradition; I like old-fashioned ways (I even wear a hat to church some times!); I’m not very adventurous.  But I am not opposed to exploration, inconvenience, discovery, looking at things outside the box, or stepping beyond my front door.   That doesn’t make me a liberal either.  So…call me what you wish.