Christian values  

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The term Christian values historically refers to the values derived from the teachings of Jesus and taught by Christians throughout the history of the religion. The term has various applications and meanings, and specific definitions can vary widely between denominations, geographical locations, and different schools of thought.

Biblical authority

The biblical teachings of Jesus include:

• Love of God: "You shall love the Lord your God with all of your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind" (an excerpt from the Shema, -Matthew 22:37
• Fidelity in marriage: "Whom God has joined together let no man put asunder"
• Renunciation of worldly goods: "Gather not your riches up upon this earth, for there your heart will be also",
• Renunciation of violence: "If a man strikes you on one cheek, turn the other cheek",
• Forgiveness of sins: "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us",
• Unconditional love: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you".

Modern use in worldwide right-wing politics

In the 21st century United States, Australia, UK and other countries, the phrases "Christian values" and "family values" are used by conservative political groups to describe some or all of the following political stances:

• censorship of sexual content, especially in movies and on television.
• the desirability of laws against induced abortion
• sexual abstinence outside of marriage and abstinence-only education
• the promotion of intelligent design to be taught in public schools and colleges as an alternative to evolution.
• the desirability of laws against same-sex marriage
• support for laws against the acceptance of homosexuality into mainstream society
• the desirability of organized prayer in public schools

Modern use in worldwide liberal politics

In the 21st century United States, Australia, UK and other countries, the phrases "Christian values" and "family values" are used by Liberal political groups to describe some or all of the following political stances:

• the undesirability of censorship of movies and television
• freedom of choice for women who desire an induced abortion
• the undesirability of abstinence-only education.
• teaching modern scientific theories about the origin and age of the universe in public schools
• freedom of same-sex couples to marry
• the undesirability of organized prayer in public schools.

See also

• Brotherly love (philosophy)
• Biblical law in Christianity
• Family values
• Red-Letter Christian
• Jesusism
• Christian ethics