PENSACOLA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

A CRITIQUE ON “THE IDEA OF CONSERVATISM”

A PROJECT SUBMITTED TO

MISS. STEELE

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE

EN 102-G2

ENGLISH COMPOSITION

BY

PAUL KOVACH

BOX 1577

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA

15 APRIL 1996

A CRITIQUE ON “THE IDEA OF CONSERVATISM”

I. Kirk, Russel. “The Idea of conservatism.” In The College Composition Workshop ed.

James A. Chapman, 188-190, Pensacola FL: A Beka Book Publications,

1989

II. In his writing, “The Idea of conservatism,” Russel Kirk gives a definition of conservatism

and a conservative historical event. For his definition of conservatism, He quotes Abraham

Lincoln saying, “ Is it not adherence to the old and tried, against the new and untried?” (p. 184)

It is to Professor J. C. Hernshaw’s writing he Kirk refers to for a more in depth definition of

conservatism. Not only did he give a definition of conservatism, but he also used the historical

event of the American Revolution. He called the response of the United States conservative.

Through his warm word to these areas, it is fairly evident that he is a conservative.

III. Being in the same mind as Kirk’s article, agreement is shared. It was pleasing to see that

he noted the American Revolution as Conservative on the side of the Americans, and not an

uncontrolled rebellion. In the presentation of this article, Kirk needs to add interest to the dryness

of this article in order to make it interesting. He also used many words and phrases which are not

commonly used among the average American citizen. Kirk mentioned in his article that society

needs to be rebuilt, however, this is not the Christian’s job. Christians are to be salt and light

which holds back the corruption and darkness of this world, not society rebuilds. If one was

trying to convert a well knowledgeable liberal, this article would be a great help in the effort.

Although deep in style, it was still understandable.

III. This article laid down some very definite definitions and principles of conservatism. The will

be very helpful in the future.