Sep 2. How do my values align with “Christian Values”?
In the process of assessing my values, I encountered a problem. The term “Christian Values” is problematic. As evidenced by two articles cited in my first post, “Christian Values” are not the same for all Christians. There is no general consensus on “Christian Values” in American Christianity. Sadly, non-Christians have to interpret confusing messages of “Christian Values” and much is being lost in translation. Christians’ witness in the world is being sullied.
Values are derived from what we believe and trust. I have concluded dissonance regarding “Christian Values” in American Christianity reflects the influence of a secular ethos that holds values, like truth, are discerned from within ourselves. As Christians, influenced by that ethos, we become arbiters of values for ourselves and others, all the while believing them to be Christian. To the extent our values are derived from within, they are the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. With some exceptions, values espoused as Christian are little more than Golden Calves , well intentioned but blasphemous idols, created out of distrust in God. Essentially trusting our understanding and judgement over God’s. The implications of my conclusion are profound.
Realizing I am not exempt from that secular spirit, assessment of how my values align with “Christian Values” is clear… they align very well. Given my conclusion about “Christian Values”, that is not good news. My values are self-derived, I believe they are good and standards by which to judge others. However, fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil is susceptible to evil.
Accordingly, I am revising Step 2. to “How do my values align with values of the Tree of Life?” I will share my results in the next post.