Honoring the Values We Believe In

(From Shell Ridge "Ridge Runner" - October. 2008)

What does it mean when we say we believe in someone? Does it not mean we share their values -- and hope and work for the same kind of life for ourselves and others as they do also? I think this is the essence of believing in God, and in Jesus the Christ, manifest and revealed in our world. To believe in Jesus is to believe in his life’s work and values.

I believe we have an obligation to share our beliefs for the benefit of others, to “be as Christ to our neighbor,” and to accept our responsibility for upholding the values we believe in as Christians and as citizens. For me, it means that we need to be open and honest about our beliefs and about our church with people in the community.

We owe it to them, our children and young people, to be clear about our beliefs in the openness of God’s love and the sanctity of each individual and their God-given worth. Much damage has been done by real or perceived rigidity in religious attitudes toward those whose circumstances make them “different” and/or out-of-step with “traditional” values – especially with respect to sexuality and other social or political matters.

We fail our young people if we urge them to be true to themselves -- but don’t support them by encouraging openness and discussing their problems and alternatives with them. Suicide is known to be 30% more likely with gay teenagers. We must not run that risk with youth associated with our church. Likewise, if we encourage young people to live non-violently and to carefully consider how best to serve their country, we also need to support them in clear positions by our church within the larger community.

I believe this same principle also applies to us as representatives and determiners of our national will, purpose, and expression toward other countries, groups, and people in the world. When we vote, we need to examine the issues and positions of the candidates or political parties and decide which ones support the values we believe in as individuals and as Christians.

Though we honor the tradition of separation of church and state, generally refraining from taking sides (and never endorsing candidates), clear principles and standards are needed and are important to many who feel they’re an essential part of our involvement with public issues and our ministry to those (all of us) who are affected by them.

Above all, it is important to be sure and VOTE in the upcoming national election on Tuesday, November 4. In addition, I urge everyone to watch the four scheduled debates: Friday Sept. 26, Thursday Oct. 2, Tuesday Oct. 7, and Wednesday Oct. 15. All are 6 p.m. local time and will, of course, be televised.

I hope we can hear the candidates speak on the many vitally important issues and receive compassionate, just, and honest answers to the questions that matter to all of us. Candidates also have obligations to honor these deeply held values.