KLINE: How to Become a Conservative in 16 Years or Less

“AGE, FOR MANY, IS A MATTER OF MIND; FOR IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO GET THEM TO REVEAL THE FACT OF THE MATTER.”

This past Wednesday, I had a birthday!  March 10, 1991, I was born (yes, I am that young!). Since that day, much has changed; both in this world and for myself.

If you’ve read my articles for any length of time, you would know that I am a Christian and quite conservative. I was born, raised, still am a Baptist (with a capital B), and was raised under moral and political conservative values. However, contrary to popular humanistic opinion, your beginnings do not necessarily define your ends.  I know of many who were raised under the same principles as I was, but have now forsaken much of the teachings of their childhood. The fact is that I very easily could have done the same as them.

For much of my life, I was religious without God; and was conservative without really knowing why. I was afraid to be questioned in what I believed for I had no real confidence. The vaguest arguments from opposition made me doubt what I was taught, because I was never willing to search deeper to find the truth and reason behind what I believed. I was so disturbed inwardly I nearly did forsake all I was taught growing up.

 However, right around 16-1/5 years old, something happened. I heard a preacher that encouraged us not to live a life of faithless traditions, but to search for the truth – and that’s what I did. I searched for the truth, and now, I don’t just know what I believe, but why I believe it. No, I don’t believe everything I was taught and I know that some things may take time to fully understand, but I can honestly say I have a steadfast confidence in what I believe.  I have come of age – politically and spiritually.