The line between conservatives and liberals in the United States is often drawn along social issues. Generally, conservatives are pro-life and pro-traditional marriage and accordingly believe in moral absolutes, typically rooted in the Bible.
Liberals, on the other hand, have a more subjective view of morality and tend to take positions that favor abortion rights and support non-traditional marriage and relationships.
Now, we hear a lot about Progressives. Progressivism, like most “isms,” has morphed over the years. Presently, it is characterized as the far-left wing of liberalism. Instead of a typical liberal approach of allowing multiple options, a progressive might seek to use the government to force an extreme position.
We saw an example of this when Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law a bill mandating that Illinois-based health insurance, both private and Medicaid, must cover abortion with no co-pays or deductibles. While liberalism favors abortion and might argue for the right of insurance companies to offer coverage, progressivism weaponizes the government to press the liberal agenda further.
Now, before we think progressivism is only what liberals do, there is a progressive flavor of conservatism. That wing also believes in government mandates to force its conservative agenda.
Both liberals and conservatives seek to use laws and regulations to support their respective agendas. What distinguishes the progressive approach is its apparent desire to trample those who differ.
Several years ago, I discussed some conservative legislation with a close liberal friend. He argued, “The problem with you conservatives is that you are not content to be right. You want to punish everyone else for being wrong.” He described a progressive spirit we now see as having a growing influential presence in the liberal camp.
Permitting employers to pay for abortions might be a liberal strategy for trying to cater to all sides of a blended society of people who hold diverse views on many issues. Mandating it, however, is a progressive action designed to squelch opposing viewpoints.
As we wade into the shark-infested waters of the presidential election season, listen carefully to whether we have a conflict between conservative and liberal views or whether progressivism is weaponizing the government to trample opposing viewpoints.
In such circumstances, Christians must stand in opposition and be ready to face the consequences (Daniel 3; Acts 5:17-42).
