What are "Christian values"?

[RNMOM]

Not being a religious person, I frankly get offended when I see responses to posts using the term "Christian values" and implying only church going persons can have them. I would like to state that us non Christians can have values too and often even kinder, more generous values.

I think the term "human values" might be better. I believe in treating others as I want to be treated. I believe in helping those in need. I believe in being loyal and true to my fellow man but certainly to my spouse and family. I believe most of us feel the tenants of the 10 commandments are taught throughout the world and in non Christian faiths as well so to declare them "Christian" rubs me the wrong way.

 

[kellyg403]

Kelly

 

[LisaR]

Excellent post!

 

[MushyMushy]

Just have to chime in with the

I get so sick of hearing about Christian values as if they hold the moral high ground. No thank you.

 

[Nala56]

I don't think christians believe that some one that is not a believer in a higher power does not have good moral values. In fact, I know people who do not believe in God that are just as or more moral that some christians. I think the phrase "christian values" mean, we that believe in God and believe we will stand in front of our maker to be judged want to be able to testify to our good christian morals. But that doesn't mean we have a market on good moral behavoral, christians are just like any one else, we are not perfect.

 

[MushyMushy]

I don't think christians believe that some one that is not a believer in a higher power does not have good moral values. In fact, I know people who do not believe in God that are just as or more moral that some christians. I think the phrase "christian values" mean, we that believe in God and believe we will stand in front of our maker to be judged want to be able to testify to our good christian morals. But that doesn't mean we have a market on good moral behavoral, christians are just like any one else, we are not perfect.

The church I was brought up in certainly did believe that. The people of that church fully believed that atheists were without morals. Where I live, I don't freely admit that I don't believe. It's scary.

 

[eliza61]

lately I've come to hate that term. Especially since in this election it seems to be that if you don't have "Christian values" you are also "un-american"

 

[RadioNate]

Not being a religious person, I frankly get offended when I see responses to posts using the term "Christian values" and implying only church going persons can have them. I would like to state that us non Christians can have values too and often even kinder, more generous values.

I think the term "human values" might be better. I believe in treating others as I want to be treated. I believe in helping those in need. I believe in being loyal and true to my fellow man but certainly to my spouse and family. I believe most of us feel the tenants of the 10 commandments are taught throughout the world and in non Christian faiths as well so to declare them "Christian" rubs me the wrong way.

It also implies that only CHRISTIAN church going people have 'good' values.

It definitely rubs me the wrong way.

 

[SydneyBristow]

It's just a catch phrase coined by the extreme "religious" right wing and does not reflect the thoughts of all Christians. I have never heard that phrase used at our bible based Christian church, nothing like that either. I don't believe that I'm better then anyone else, I think we're all equal in God's eyes. Anyone who claims to be a better person or have a moral high ground just because they're a Christian is a hypocrite, the bible even says so.

 

[VickiVM]

I don't think christians believe that some one that is not a believer in a higher power does not have good moral values. In fact, I know people who do not believe in God that are just as or more moral that some christians. I think the phrase "christian values" mean, we that believe in God and believe we will stand in front of our maker to be judged want to be able to testify to our good christian morals. But that doesn't mean we have a market on good moral behavoral, christians are just like any one else, we are not perfect.

To that point - Christian values are values that one upholds based on their belief and understanding of how Jesus Christ wants us to live. However, when the term is thrown around to simply segregate people into two distinct groups of believers and non-believer, it just makes me cringe.

 

[Nala56]

It's just a catch phrase coined by the extreme "religious" right wing and does not reflect the thoughts of all Christians. I have never heard that phrase used at our bible based Christian church, nothing like that either. I don't believe that I'm better then anyone else, I think we're all equal in God's eyes. Anyone who claims to be a better person or have a moral high ground just because they're a Christian is a hypocrite, the bible even says so.

Very well said.

 

[ChrizJen]

I agree completely!
In fact, sometimes I find non-christians to be more understanding and compassionate than christians.
I know that for the most part, there are some "christian" values that we all espouse, and that many of our fundamental laws are written around these values.
But I think that sometimes people use their religion as an excuse to be judgemental towards those who are different from them.

 

[airhead]

So,what about Jewish values??? or Muslim values??? Would that be the same or different???
When I hear that phrase from anyone,its an immediate turn off.

 

[ead79]

I think that on the surface, the term "Christian values" is pretty benign. Unfortunately it's the way it can be used that can make it hurtful.

I would define Christian values as taking your moral viewpoints/values from what is found in the Bible--following what Scripture says. As a Christian, I certainly don't feel that non-Christians are morally lacking. I know many very wonderful people who aren't Christians, and I know some folks who claim to be Christians but don't act much like it.

It's a shame that some people use the terminology in order to try to hurt someone else. Jesus warned repeatedly about worrying about your own behavior before you worry about someone else's.

 

[RickinNYC]

I think that on the surface, the term "Christian values" is pretty benign. Unfortunately it's the way it can be used that can make it hurtful.

I would define Christian values as taking your moral viewpoints/values from what is found in the Bible--following what Scripture says. As a Christian, I certainly don't feel that non-Christians are morally lacking. I know many very wonderful people who aren't Christians, and I know some folks who claim to be Christians but don't act much like it.

It's a shame that some people use the terminology in order to try to hurt someone else. Jesus warned repeatedly about worrying about your own behavior before you worry about someone else's.

You have once again re-established why you're one of my favorite DIS'ers.

 

[Barbossa]

Some of the meanest, most disrespectful people I've ever met claim to have "Christian morals". Conversely, some of the kindest, most generous people I've ever known claim no religious affiliation at all. I absolutely believe that one's standing in the eyes of God has nothing to do with religion or the lack thereof.

 

[VickiVM]

So,what about Jewish values??? or Muslim values??? Would that be the same or different???
When I hear that phrase from anyone,its an immediate turn off.

Actually, Judeo-Christian values if used often in reference to the Golden Rule virtue which is basically what this term loosely defines - that we are to treat our fellow man how we would want them to treat us.

 

[Barbossa]

The Golden Rule always scares me when I'm around masochists!