FrontLine | Volume 36 | Number 2

It’s been called today’s “shot heard ’round the world.”¹ The echoes from the rifle that murdered Charles James Kirk are still reverberating in discussions around the world. Charlie’s arguments pierced where no assassin’s bullet could ever go. His bold example of “casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God” (2 Cor. 10:5) was admirable. Now, in the aftermath of his violent death, Kirk’s video discussions and debates have stirred great interest in his political conservatism and Christian beliefs. His funeral featured advocates of both, and his quasi-political organization, Turning Point USA, is blending the two. But Christian believers must approach this recent emphasis with great care. Merging Christianity and conservatism will compromise the purity of the gospel. So the editors of this edition of FrontLine decided to frame the question this way: “Is Conservatism Enough?” Enough for what? Is political conservatism, which has recently dominated the airwaves through Christian radio and made waves in some churches, enough to turn America away from moral, economic, and social disaster?

In this edition of FrontLine, we give our readers a biblical perspective on this recent convergence of Christianity and conservatism. The article “Christ or Conservatism?” is designed to make clear distinctions between the two. Political conservatism insists that historic values and traditions must be preserved. But are those all worth saving? If not, how is one to determine which ones must be defended and what must be discarded? What is the standard? As the article notes, your nation needs Christ, His Word, and His followers; conservatism is not enough to put any nation on a God-honoring path. If your nation needs the gospel of Christ, then how can you start sharing Him with the people around you? The short article “Five Ways to Start Gospel Conversations” will give you practical ways to begin right now.

David Saxon’s article, “Purpose or Result?,” asks whether the moral transformation of society is a legitimate goal of the church. Some have insisted that we should work to transform society and pray that genuine revival will come. But as the author notes, “morality unharnessed from the gospel not only does not save, but it can delude people into thinking they don’t need to be saved.” Therein lies the danger.

Ben Hicks explains that this moment in American history is filled with opportunities and dangers. The Lord has used the news of the recent assassination to produce great interest in the gospel, and this is cause for rejoicing. But now we must avoid political alliances that would cloud gospel clarity. The fact is that similar movements in the past confused conservatism with Christianity. Bud Steadman’s article, “The Ultimate Failure of the Moral Majority,” reminds us that, in America, the Republican Party and the movement known as the Christian Right once worked hand in glove to reform society. Did it work? You can read the evidence for yourself. The Moral Majority led many spiritual leaders to compromise their Christian position in order to promote political positions. That movement in the 1980s alerts us to the fact that the current struggle requires us to think clearly and biblically. The Bible gives a clear set of responsibilities to countries and another set of responsibilities to Christians. Thomas Alvis’ article, “The Christian’s Role in a Secular State,” will help you to distinguish which is which.

In this edition, Kevin Bauder lays out a Christian viewpoint on the modern nation of Israel. Some Christians insist that this political entity is of no importance while others assert that it is of paramount importance. His article on “Israel, Palestinian Arabs, and Christian Attitudes” will help you decide the issue for yourself.

We hope that you will enjoy this edition of FrontLine.

Gordon A. Dickson, Associate Editor

Features:

CHRIST OR CONSERVATISM?
Gordon A. Dickson

The nations of the world desperately need the influence of salty, light-bearing Christian disciples to restrain corruption and shine light in the darkness.

PURPOSE OR RESULT?
David Saxon

Is the purpose of revival to effect cultural change?

OPPORTUNITIES AND DANGERS OF THE CURRENT CULTURAL MOVEMENT
Ben Hicks

The cultural winds appear to be favorable to Christianity, but we dare not relax as if we’ve won and the battle is over.

THE ULTIMATE FAILURE OF THE MORAL MAJORITY
Bud Steadman

The history of the Moral Majority movement must be a warning to those seeking to influence our nation spiritually and morally today.

THE CHRISTIAN’S ROLE IN A SECULAR STATE
Thomas Alvis

Political involvement need not be a distraction from faith; it can be an expression of it—when done with integrity and humility.

ISRAEL, PALESTINIAN ARABS, AND CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES
Kevin T. Bauder

How should Christians think about Israel?

FIVE WAYS TO START GOSPEL CONVERSATIONS
Gordon A. Dickson

G.R.A.C.E. is a memorable roadmap to guide you into joyous gospel conversations.

Sound Words: Inspiration for the Pastor’s Study

First Partaker: The Prayer Life of Our Lord
Mark Minnick

Bring . . . the Books: Expository Thoughts on John, J. C. Ryle
Layton Talbert

Straight Cuts: Why Does James Say, “Above All Things, Swear Not” (James 5:12)?
Ben Hicks

Windows: How Christians Disagree: A Cautionary Illustration
Layton Talbert

Departments:

NEWS FROM ALL OVER

ON THE HOME FRONT

BEST OF PROCLAIM & DEFEND

HEART TO HEART: The Tension of Contentment
Jessica Schaal

AT A GLANCE: Why Didn’t Jonah Just Jump? Jonah and the Resurrection of Jesus
Layton Talbert

WITH THE WORD TO THE WORLD: Comfortable Being Conservative
Jim Tillotson

STEWARDSHIP MATTERS: Pastoral Compensation 101
Corey Pfaffe

CHAPLAIN’S REPORT

FrontLine • March/April 2026. Click here to subscribe to the magazine.

1. Quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Concord Hymn” describing a battle in the American Revolutionary War. [↩]