The mission of Issues in Perspective is to provide thoughtful, historical and biblically-centered perspectives on current ethical and cultural issues. In line with this mission statement, several times I have addressed the issue of what does it mean to be a “conservative” in the 21st century? A label that captures my personal convictions is the phrase “principled conservativism.” The views and convictions I expressed in the 17 January 2026 edition of Issues are a helpful summary of what I believe. In this edition of Issues, I want to think about the future of the conservative moment in America.

Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their rejection of Him as the Messiah.

As the national debt of the US is a few months from reaching $39 trillion, and perhaps $40 trillion by the end of this year, “ it is puzzling how unperturbed the political class is,” writes George Will. Writer and political agitator Upton Sinclair (1878-1968) said: “It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends upon his not understanding it.” Will concludes: “There are no long-term fiscal gains without intense short-term political pains. So, because today’s congressional careers do not yet seem likely to coincide with coming dire consequences, let them come.”

Jesus has presented Himself as the Messiah, now Matthew records the response of Galilee to His Messiahship.

Over the last six months I have been reading the details as they unfold about Jeffrey Epstein. Words like disgusting, revolting, perverted, debauched come to mind. It is nauseating and horrifying. But this entire phenomenon tells us a great deal about the rich and powerful in America—indeed in much of the world. For so many of these rich and powerful there is a façade that hides a depravity that is now being exposed.

Jesus sends out His 12 Apostles and counsels them on expectations, preparation and the message.

n the new world order emerging in the 21st century, Russia and Iran will continue to play a leading role. It is important to step back and reflect on these two pariah nations. Each one has the potential to bring the world into a larger conflict with devasting consequences. Furthermoe, as the Republican Party deals with these pariah nations during the administration of Donald Trump, there is evidence that the Party is shifting from a pro-Israel stance to an anti-Israel one.

Jesus’ Messianic miracles are followed by an expression of His compassion and the commissioning of His 12 apostles to represent Him.

In the history of the church, the relationship between church and state—two institutions God created—has been difficult. In the early church, the Roman Empire of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th centuries tried to eradicate the church. Hence, martyrdom was often the norm. With Constantine in the early 300s, that relationship changed. He ended persecution and brought Christians into his government. But, as you study the next 1,000 years, church and state became intertwined such that the church served the state. Even after the Reformation, various rulers chose which brand of Christianity the state would be and then enforced those commitments with the power of the state.

Jesus’ words and works prove His messiahship, but opposition is growing among the scribes and Pharisees.