God's Values on NPR

Americans often speak of core values:  some are patriotic and American, some God-centered, while others are strictly Christian. But really, what are they? What are these values tossed about to validate positions, prejudices and partisan politics?

In the August 9, Morning Edition interview with Sofia Martinez, she and her co-worker answer this by talking about  needing “a good moral compass” and mention the “desensitization of our children to violence and sex…”  They say it like Democrats and Obama himself have created the world of violence and sex on the internet, TV, films and elsewhere. Can anyone say “deregulation?” Be sure to follow it up by  “Republican”.

Finally, the co-worker proclaims her vote for Romney because he is “closer to God’s values.”

Ok. And what are they?

The Old Testament God is angry and jealous as often as He is merciful and just. This God destroyed the entire city of Jericho; men, women and children.  This is the very same One who commanded a father to kill his son.

What values are “God’s values”?

Jesus in the New Testament repeatedly acted on behalf of those members of society who had been put out, ostracized and oppressed because they didn’t fit into the boundaries carved out by religious law. Hmmm, think of gays and lesbians, immigrants and non-Christians. Seems Jesus might be willing to stand up for their inclusion rather than exclusion.

Again, what values are “God’s values” and who, pray-tell, gets to decide?

We frivolously lob, fling and chuck the language of morals, ethics, good and bad as if it were a game where the winner gets to be the true American. We then tie them to “a God” (my God, my Rules, my Righteous hate), and skewer those not “like us” with the spear of being “immoral” and without values. 

The message: If you don’t believe as I do, if you don’t worship the same God in the same way as me, or come to the same “God-given” conclusions, then I get to label you as immoral.

This is a dangerous and irresponsible game. And, it is our country, our children and our future that is getting hurt.