This is an excerpt from a recent email I received regarding theological debates within denominations. You can pick any denomination that has an ongoing theological dispute and apply this logic. It is really insightful and is probably as applicable to non-theistic distinctions between liberals and conservatives as well:"After all, as anyone who is in the least observant knows, rules are for conservatives. Liberals pride themselves on breaking the rules, because it makes them feel like they are standing up for something. It makes them feel (and liberals are all about "feeling") relevant and powerful. Rebellion equals change and change is always good to a liberal. The status quo is the enemy. Standards and traditions are merely objects to be scorned, ridiculed, and destroyed...all in the name of "progress." They are sure of their positions...not because they base it on something like scripture, but because they believe they are the smartest people in the room and anyone who does not come to the same conclusions they do is hopelessly ignorant.
They do not have any respect for their ideological enemies (us). We are woefully ignorant and must be brought into the camp of right thinking. It's why they do not hesitate to to [sic] use intimidation or underhanded tactics. To a liberal, the ends justify the means. And it is respect which is at the core of the divide between conservatives and liberals. Conservatives will abide by the set rules, and try to change things through the process (this is respect - respect for the rule of law, respect for the idea that all must abide by the same rules in order for things to function). Liberals will try to change through established process, but see nothing wrong with circumventing the process when they are incapable of getting their way. Again, the ends justify the means. They have no respect for anything except power. Consequently, it's the only way to keep them in line. In order to get liberals to live by the rules, you have to actually ENFORCE the rules. Conservative unwillingness to stand up for evenhandedness in discipline is one of the root causes of this whole thing. Liberals have been using the conservative week spot of unity to drive their agenda since the Auburn affirmation. It isn't going to stop just because The GAPJC says they can't ordain gays or unmarried, sexually active clergy. This is a point I really just think most conservatives just don't get. They keep expecting honorable behavior from people to whom the concept of honor is totally foriegn.[sic]"
A few of my notes to keep in mind. You can click through to each of the scriptures below.
Change for the sake of change is ridiculous.
Change is only good (Mt 19:17) if it is progress.
Change is only progress if it brings men closer to God and not further from him. Mt 7:15; Mt 24:11; Mt 24:24; Mr 13:22; Lu 6:26; 2Th 3:6; 1Ti 6:5; 2Ti 4:3; 2Pe 2:1; 1Jo 4:1
We cannot from our own knowledge or understanding (that being other that what is imparted to us through the Word of God) know what brings men closer to God.Proverbs 3:5 - 8; Pr 14:12; Pr 16:25; Ps 119:169;Ps 119:130; Ps 119:105; Ps 18:28; John 1:1 - 9; Mt 5:18; Joh 14:15; Joh 15:10; Joh 17:17; 2Ti 3:16; 2Co 11:4; Galatians 1:6 - 8
Agape <><