Christian values
A discussion on what Christian values in education are invites different points of view, and this has been written to stimulate thought on what is meant by ’Christian values’.
Everyone lives by a code, by a set of largely unconscious set of rules that govern our behaviours and reactions. It is important to reflect on what those values are because they reach down into the sub-conscious. Meaning, they are just below the thinking level, and will impact how we respond when we don’t have that time to think. Every day brings situations where we react without having first had a chance to reflect on our thoughts and words. The values that we have adopted and engrained can help us on that level, as they give pause to our words – they can act as a sort of filter.
Many will have no formalized code of values, and simply live thinking and saying and doing what they think is right. Perhaps people never stop to consider whether within all of us are a set of values, of universal values, of human values.
You don’t have to think about it for long to realize that our values are important because they project our personality. They communicate to others what the real us is like. In some ways, they can say too much, more than we would like them to. So, to not give serious time to assess, to do an inventory of our values, to think about what is actually motivating us, may be unwise, even neglectful.
In the UK, the government offered a set of British values. Immediately, people were asking, “what makes a value a British value?” – or more specifically, “what makes that value a British value?” They are identified as things that are core Britishness, central to what is to be British. Meaning, one supposes, that if you want to call yourself British, you will adopt some of these values and reflect them.
So, what about Christian values? Would it not be fair to say that they are those core truths that define you as a Christian? If you are truly a Christian you will have these values and you will agree with and seek to live by certain doctrines and teachings according to the Word of God. The ultimate Christian value is the glory of God, and Christians are called in the Bible to live to that standard daily, in all areas. To live that way will, by necessity, have to be informed by how that glory is promoted and valued and advanced. Christian values aren’t religious notions, or philosophical ideas. They are living truths – living in that they themselves are alive as the word of God is, and living in that they are enlivening those in whom they reside.
Broadly put – and knowing that succinctness will not allow every point to be made, and that priorities will differ – at a minimum, Christian values are glorifying God by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, by a love for Him expressed in obedience to His word. Put simply, Christian values are to trust and obey, to the glory of God.
As mentioned, this piece invites reflection on Christian values to better understand what this means (and should mean) in education. A forum post “What are Christian values in education?” has been started (under the Forums tab, ‘Discussion Topics – ‘CViE – General’) to continue this discussion.
