The Origin of Values Through the Lens of Christianity

The genesis of values has, and continues to be theand holy one will reach a Christ like state, this assertion
focus of much debate. Humanists hold to a particularis directly align to that of God since Christians are
view and Christians maintain a different view.called upon to be holy because God himself is holy this
Interestingly, even within the Christian arena there areis the standard which Christology is based, this in turn
differing views as well. In order to understand thisleads to the genesis and development of values.
widely controversial issue, it is important that readersChristians are also called upon to live a life of
understand the opposing views of the variouswholesomeness, one with high standard, in 1 Cor
proponents. This paper's intention is to persuade6:19-20 the Christian body is referred to as a temple of
readers to look at the origin of values from a Christianthe Holy Sprit, this temple is a gift from God and should
viewpoint. It uses Biblical scriptures as well as theoriesbe used to honor God. This is one presumption that
of adherents from a biblical perspective to examinevalue commitment begins through the conversion to
the origin of values. It culminates with the applicability ofChristianity, first the Christian values begin then the
Christian values and their subsequent benefits tocommitment to the values developed. In actuality the
contemporary organizations. The behavior that peopleChristians hypothesis is that universal values did not
exhibit is ultimately shaped by their values. This paperbegin when we were born, it has always existed. To
presents readers with a framework which will helpthe Christian, values came to mankind through the
them understand the origin of their values, knowing thatrevelation of God's word and the continual teaching by
it is their values in essence that will ultimately shapehis disciples. Therefore the root of the Christian
their behavior.reasoning of value commitment is grounded biblically, in
The philosophy of humanism is founded on thethat, man is made in the image of God's likeness of
principles of humanity and guided by reason. It seeks tosuch, although values is always in existence once a
find a rationale for a fulfilling life exclusive of religion.man is converted to Christianity he now becomes
According to the Institute of Human Studies, humanistaccountable to God in all of his conduct, which results
makes sense of the world using reason, experiencein value commitment.
and shared values. Humanist do not acknowledge theTo support this conjecture the Book of 1 Cor 2:11 and
reasons used to explain God's existence, hence theirProv. 20:27 lend credence to the verity that there is a
unbelief in the supernatural. In their sphere values arespirit that lives in mankind that act as an enabler in
founded on human empathy and scientificmoral function. Application in a Contemporary Setting
understanding. They maintain that values must change21st century organizations are dogged by changes;
in order to be relevant and holds that there are nochanges in the form of scientific and technological
absolutes. Adherents to this view such as Joas statedadvancement, immigration patterns as well as other
that value commitment developed through experiencetrends. These new as well as the rapid rate of these
of "self formation and self transcendence," thechanges will create an environment of pandemonium
proposition is that the reliance of oneself is the creationor an era of development through corporation of
of the commitment. A more in-depth analysis viewsmankind. The manner in which problems and issues
humanists abiding in their belief that the origin andare addressed in this "new" environment will be
development of value commitment can only be gaineddependent upon the values that humans possess. The
through a superlative of experience.values exhibited must foster, support, selflessness,
The Christian perspective resides on the other end oftolerance, respect and encourage mankind to move
the controversy. Christians subscribe to 1 John 1 "In theforward in a positive manner irrespective of their
beginning was the word and the word was God..." theyethnic, religious affiliation. The application of values in a
belief that "in the beginning was God, and that withoutcontemporary setting is enormous, the benefit is
God nothing was.... The essence of their belief residesimmeasurable. For example, a Christian that abides by
in the fact that God made man like Him- God. So GodMark 12:31 "Love your neighbor as yourself." This is in
created man in his own image, in the image of God hedirect alignment to that of the organization today that
created him; male and female he created them." (Gen.wishes for its followers to love each other, resulting in
1:26-27). The Scriptures state that when God sawa harmonious group. The Greek used the word love to
what He made He looked at His creation and He wassymbolize respect, affection, benevolence and good
pleased. The fall of man in Genesis 3 showed howwill for others." Hence a person that has values and
God in His infinite wisdom forgave mans' sins andvalue commitment will demonstrate these attributes.
created a way to restore his relationship with mankind.The euphoria in working with someone that loves,
By His very nature God is love, "John 3:16, for God sofoster an environment of convivial, this is the ultimate
loved the world that whosoever believeth in him shouldbenefit for both leaders and followers. Kouzes and
not perish but have everlasting life." By dying thePosner concluded that "values make a significant
ultimate sacrificial death Jesus reconciled mankind todifference in behavior at work." This led them to
Himself. Christian philosophers such as Moreland andcreate the matrix known as the vertical (clarity of
Craig stated that moral values "are to be explicated inorganizational values) and the horizontal (clarity of
terms of God's nature and will, rather than of selfpersonal values) axis.
interest, social contract, or common happiness" theConclusion
premise from the Christian perspective is, values areThe Genesis of Values is and will always be one of
determined by Gods' direction and not by any othergreat debate, Humanist frown upon the Christian's
means.assertion and Vis-à-vis. It is apparent that there
The Christian looks at values as innate which wereis no middle ground for both scientist and Christian. It is
planted in mankind only by God; they also believe thatvastly important for one to know the original source of
such values are fortified by faith. Psalm...thy word is avalues; it is the foremost factor that affects the
lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" showsbehavior of human whether in a positive or negative
David's use of scriptures to guide his life as he soughtmanner. Not knowing the Genesis of values is
to live a life that is pleasing to God. Aquinas in hisdepriving oneself from instrumental growth during the
musings pointed out that God created man with a willhuman life cycle. Has already established, values is
to choose; in doing thus man is free to make decisionscreated from God who in turn deposit it in mankind,
and choices. In the Book of Romans, Paul called uponChristians adhere to moral values because of God's
those that have been converted not to conform anycommandment to His people. Not accepting the
longer to the model of the world, rather to behypothesis of the Christian premise is simple shunning
transformed. This process for the Christian is one thatGod's creation.
brings about the realization of the Christian valueReferences:
process. In Philippians 2:5 Christians were informed toChadwell, D. W., Being Like Christ, Retrieved June 10,
develop the same mind as that of Christ, a mind of2008.
meekness and conformity. The stage is being set, byClark, D. Concepts of Leadership, Retrieved 30 May
accepting the conversion to Christianity and to become2008,
Christ like is the beginning juncture of the ChristianGarlic, R. Moral and Spiritual Values, Retrieved 8 June
value process. Further analysis also shows that values2008,
developed through a purification of ones self, in 1 JohnIdris, J. S., Secularism and Moral Values, Retrieved 10
3:2-3 John called upon Christians to be pure as ChristJune 2008,
is pure; this is the blueprint and the guide for one toJoas, H. (2000). The Genesis of Values. Chicago, IL:
develop their values.University of Chicago Press
How does Value Commitment comes about, andKouzes, James M. & Posner, Barry Z. (1987). The
Develop?Leadership Challenge. San
To grasp the concept of value commitment theFrancisco: Jossey-Bass.
understanding and acceptance of theLarue, G. A., Human Values for the 21st Century,
Genesis of values must be clear. In 1 Peter 1:13-16, weRetrieved 6 June
see another example of how values develop in which2008,
Peter declares that one should seek to be holy asTrice, H. & Ritzer, G.
Christ was holy. The premise is that by becoming pure