So...somebody "splain to me...what are these "values" of which

[JaniceM]

Bettyann, you are so correct. When I hear "Christian Values " I know that person is not the kind of person I want to associate with. They are prejudiced and narrow
minded. Often times they spew hatred for ones that aren't exactly like them.

I agree, too, but see it as a 'these days' kinda thing.
In contrast, does anyone remember a few decades ago when a popular expression was "WWJD?" From what I've seen these days, 'christian values' are nothing like what Jesus would do, nor what he taught.

Re: the topic in general, I'd describe 'values' to mean standards of right and wrong, and priorities.

 

[helenbacque]

A person's values are just the principles he lives by, what is important. It's a deep-down sense of what is right and wrong and the desire or willingness to do the right in face of opposition. Early in life it comes from circumstances of birth and rearing (parental influences) but generally are not set in stone until maturity. Unfortunately, history has proven that power often skewers a person's values or changes what is important.

 

[Butterfly]

A person's values are just the principles he lives by, what is important. It's a deep-down sense of what is right and wrong and the desire or willingness to do the right in face of opposition. Early in life it comes from circumstances of birth and rearing (parental influences) but generally are not set in stone until maturity. Unfortunately, history has proven that power often skewers a person's values or changes what is important.

Helen I think you are absolutely right. Values reflect what you believe is right and wrong and how you choose to live and how you judge things happening around you. One of my most basic values is that it is absolutely wrong to inflict unnecessary pain on other living things (I say unnecessary because, for instance, I have to give my dog shots to help with a condition she has; but I wouldn't stick a needle into her for no reason.)

 

[Warrigal]

Sometimes the values of a person or a religion can be pretty much encapsulated in a single word. The Dalai Lama has stated that his religion is "kindness" and this word speaks volumes about the man and his version of Buddhism. I worked for 25 years for an order of nuns and I would choose the word "acceptance" to sum up their lived values. I learned a lot about this value while I worked for them.

Personally, the values that I admire in others and hope that others might see in me are honesty, courage and service. I judge myself against these three. Unless we are prepared to hold ourselves to the values we talk about they are not really our values.