Hughes: Where conservatism meets Christian compassion

Republican presidential candidate and Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s explanation of his decision to expand Medicaid forced me to ponder my beliefs as a politically conservative Christian.

“When you die and get to the meeting with St. Peter, he’s probably not going to ask you much about what you did about keeping government small,” Gov. Kasich said. “But he is going to ask you what you did for the poor.”

Growing up in a Christian environment, I was taught to love the less-fortunate as I love myself. Growing up in a politically conservative environment, I was taught that welfare and other liberal policies are wrong — even sinful. Conservative rhetoric was pounded into my head, and I accepted it without giving much thought to its merits. I became an unthoughtful, uncompassionate conservative.

That quote made me realize that maybe, just maybe, I should examine my beliefs before I spout them as political gospel.

This is where I say I’m now ready to take my new liberal ideology to the world, right?

Not so fast. After much deliberation, I realized my need to find a heart. But I also realized that much of what I believe is indeed compassionate.

I concluded that conservative policies are often the best way to help the poor; the problem is the attitude behind them.

I wholeheartedly agree that we will be accountable not for how we shrank government but for how we treated others. But sometimes compassion involves difficult decisions that initially hurt; it’s doing what’s best for a person with a sympathetic, understanding spirit.

We conservatives need to lose our angry, uncompassionate narrative. Yes, money is important, but people are most important. At the same time, we must do what is best for the long-term future of our country and its people. Can we support shrinking government, low minimum wages and tough immigration standards and be compassionate? Yes, but only if our motives and attitudes exude compassion.

This story was originally published September 12, 2015 at 1:32 PM.