Presbyterianism, that great bastion of Calvinism, is one of the more liberal churches today. The Free Will Baptist Church, which supports Arminianism, is one of the most conservative churches in America. I think you have a paradox here.
What says you?
1) Liberal Presbyterian sects such as “Presbyterian Church U.S.A” is hardly committed to Calvinist doctrine. While the more conservative sects, “Presbyterian Church of America” and “Orthodox Presbyterian Church” are.
2) By “conservative” do you mean politically/socially conservative or theologically conservative? Sure, one can say the two are linked—but there are plenty of non-Christians (Mormons) who are politically conservative as well, it does not make their doctrines any more valid spiritually.
3) I think one of the problems with some aspects of the Arminian-based “Christian Right” is the idea that bigger government and control of secular government in general, is the answer to solving the moral and social crises facing our society. Think the views of Mike Huckabee or even Rick Warren. Hence things like tax-payer funded “faith-based” initiatives
* A strong belief in man’s ability to “be good” by his own volition can lead to the idea that human beings can improve society by virtue of their own efforts and manmade means. Which is why “free will” thinking tends to coincide with statism. While a Calvinist “total depravity” worldview will promote a skepticism of over-concentration of power in any one place or person. And oftentimes, putting too much faith in politics can lead to de-emphasis of our spiritual duties—which are unchanging regardless of who’s in charge at the secular level.