Lectures
Compassion and Conservatism: Lord Shaftesbury as a Model for Faith and Politics
Synopsis
What might it look like to have truly compassionate public policies that are also truly conservative?
In a Friday, September 16 lecture at Philadelphia Biblical University, Rev. Dr. Richard Turnbull gave a glimpse of an answer, as he brought Great Britain’s Lord Shaftesbury to life as a model for Christian leadership.
Drawing heavily from his recently published biography of Shaftesbury, Rev. Dr. Turnbull offered vivid glimpses of the British politico’s enthusiastic commitment to Christ; his poignant personal struggles; and his tireless, effective advocacy for the poor in 19th-century Great Britain.
Rev. Dr. Turnbull highlighted Shaftesbury’s vision for effective Christian partnerships in mercy ministry and his humble, urgent awareness of Christ’s imminent return. By his public service in the Halls of Parliament, Shaftesbury made great strides in reforming an abusive mental health care system, dismal child labor conditions, and dangerous urban sanitary conditions. While the issues that Shaftesbury addressed have mercifully faded into history, Rev. Dr. Turnbull cast a vision for innovative collaboration, intellectual stamina, and fearless integrity to address today’s moral challenges.
