Peter Viereck distinguished his understanding of conservatism from the merely political/economic conservatism of the mid-twentieth century.   This distinction is helpful at the present time of social turmoil.   It is helpful for Christians trying to negotiate the present social context in which there is again a question as to what conservatism entails (not only in the United States) and a crisis posed by a radical progressivism that intends to dismantle Western civilization.   Christians, even Evangelicals, are caught up in both challenges.   The purpose of this essay is to travel with Viereck some distance to make the distinctions that are needed to get beyond the present failure of conservatives and avoid the allure of a progressive elite of politicians, journalists, and intellectuals.   Many Evangelicals, who are typically 'conservative' in some sense, have identified themselves with a conservatism that seems (whether legitimately or falsely) heartless in its opposition