Discussion Points: Spiritual Values
Religious Studies: OCR A Level, topic 3.11.4
Are Spiritual Values Merely Human Values?
Here are arguments for and against the idea that spiritual values are merely human values.
Argument for - Ten Commandments
- Some people might argue that spiritual values and human values are very similar.
- For example, the Ten Commandments have many core ethical demands that are universal — you do not need to be religious to follow those that are not about God.
- ‘Do not steal’ and ‘Do not kill’ are commandments that are laws in the vast majority of societies, including more secular societies.
Argument against - distinct values
- But many Christians would disagree as if the two are the same, then there is nothing that makes Christianity distinctive.
- Upholding the dignity and the sanctity of human life over personal choice (for example, when considering euthanasia or abortion) and loving your enemies are examples of values that make Christianity distinctive, but would not be shared by all of society or secularists/humanists.
Argument against - salvation
- Christianity talks of an afterlife and a creator God who loves and sustains the world and wants people to worship him. Many values are based upon reaching salvation and this eternal life.
Argument against - Jesus' teaching
- Jesus’ stories, which many Christians try to emulate the teachings of, include messages such as ‘turn the other cheek’.
- These are arguably standalone Christian values.
Test yourself on Discussion Points: Spiritual Values
What Biblical principle(s) might someone use to argue that spiritual and human values are the same?