Why Are So Many Churches Conservative?  I often wonder why it is that so many churches lean conservative, not only in their handling of finances but also politically.  The word "conservative" never appears in scripture.  Indeed the word "liberal" appears many times and usually in relation to giving.

I have a couple of thoughts about this.  First, so often we have mistakenly defined being faithful with not doing sinful activities.  Sometimes Christians become so afraid of doing something wrong, they neglect to do something right.  Luther's phrase, "Sin boldly" reminds us that sometimes we must trust in God's grace and take the risk of doing something when doing nothing might be the great sin.

Second, Christians in trying to be nice try their best to keep everyone happy.  Being afraid to upset someone makes us indecisive.  A better way is to ask, what is pleasing to God and act on that.  You can't please everyone so why try?

Third, those of us who lean more toward the progressive have let ourselves be bullied.  We see the popularity of the conservative voices and we are afraid to speak out even if we are more in line with the way of Christ.  We have remained silent and timid for fear of backlash.  The result is that only conservative voices get heard.  Those who speak loudest bully the larger church into following their way -- even if it is not the way of Christ.  We must no longer be silent in our pulpits for if we don't speak for Christ who will?

For too long we have tried to please and placate, but we have not been faithful to scripture's call to seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.