Theology for the Church Religious Freedom with John Wilsey
Dec 22, 2025
In this engaging discussion, John Wilsey, a Professor of Church History and Philosophy at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and author of Religious Freedom: A Conservative Primer, explores the intricate relationship between conservatism and religious liberty. He delves into Tocqueville's concepts of the 'spirit of religion' and 'spirit of liberty,' positing that conservatives are well-suited to uphold America's religious freedoms. Wilsey also emphasizes the importance of tradition, the defined boundaries of freedom, and the role of Christianity in shaping moral limits.
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Conservatives As Stewards Of American Harmony
- Conservatives are best positioned to steward America's tradition of harmony between religion and liberty.
- John Wilsey argues this harmony is a founding inheritance worth conserving for future generations.
Conservatism Beyond Party Labels
- Conservatism values proportion, restraint, preservation through reform, and historical continuity.
- Peter Viereck's definition frames conservatism as a moral and procedural worldview, not merely partisan politics.
Manage Change, Don't Reject It
- Manage change deliberately using procedure and tradition rather than reflexive resistance or radical overhaul.
- Aim for slow, thought-through reform instead of change for its own sake.