I like the fact that liberals are back. It is becoming easier and easier to declare the solutions to certain problems “liberal” solutions; easier to argue that government, well run, has a place in the lives the people; easier to self-identify as a liberal in mixed company. As a contribution to this welcome reemergence of liberalism, I would like to discuss one of the key differences between liberals and conservatives, a difference that, I believe, defines what is unique about liberalism: its relationship to belief.
Liberals and conservatives do not have different beliefs. They have a different relationship to belief. Conservatives are committed to belief. This means that they are always committed to a certain content, a certain set of statements, which always carry the weight of moral certainty: “Marriage is between a man and a woman,” “Abortion is murder,” “Human life begins at the moment of conception,” “Government is the problem, not the answer.” It is wise to remember, though, that in the not-too-distant past there were other statements of belief that were passionately defended: “Slaves do not love their children the way we love our children,” “Jews are killing Christian children to use their blood in making matzah,” Women are not rational.” The trouble with belief is that the latter set of statements can be, and have been, held with just as much fervor and moral certainty as the former. (more…)
