“Every Christian should be both conservative and radical; conservative in preserving the faith and radical in applying it”
— John Stott
Simplified Meaning:
This quote is saying that people who follow the Christian faith need to do two main things. First, they should keep and protect the core beliefs and teachings of their religion, like loving others and having faith in God. This part is about holding on to traditions and values that are important in Christianity. But, it also says Christians should be bold and active in how they live out these teachings. This means they should work hard to help others and make positive changes in the world, even if it means taking risks or doing things differently. For example, someone might volunteer at a homeless shelter or fight for social justice because their faith encourages them to care for all people. In daily life, a Christian can apply this by sticking to their religious practices but also looking for new ways to show kindness and make a difference in their community. Balancing these two sides helps them to stay true to their beliefs while also making a real impact.