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What you have described it the difference between Liberals and Conservatives. You could argue they take the same approach (tradition vs. flexibility) to nearly any subject.
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Some of the least flexible people I know are liberals and conservatives.
I think there is also a growing variance in what people consider conservative and liberal. Forgetting what those folks in the congress and administration like to claim, environmentalism is a big issue right now for two surprising groups: non-religious conservatives and religious liberals. Isn’t that strange? Religious conservatives still look askance at environmentalism and in some cases claim it’s an evil movement, despite strict instruction on ecology in the bible. Non-religious conservatives are joining the cause.
As a mainstream religious (UMC) left of center (not quite liberal) person, I’ve found that my fellow church goers are mostly left of center and especially liberal on social policies. As for the 80% rule, or the “religion to fit the times” theory, I don’t think that quite fits me. I think my religion is what it is, and it’s up to me to follow it. That being said, the big buzzword among mainstream religions is ecumenical – promoting unity. I believe in it wholeheartedly, much more than the previous buzzword, evangelical. I think the biggest difference between what I believe religion is and what the religiouis right seem to think religion is, is that I see it as something to make me better, peaceful, helpful, and understanding. The religious right seem to see it more as an organizing force and a lifestyle that should be preached to the world.