[snip]My point overall, is that the term "Christian Values" can mean most anything.
However, in most every case I hear the term "Christian Values" it is in the context that only those who have "Christian Values" are decent people, and the rest of the population is contributing to the destruction of the world, in what ever form. Commonly it is used as a directed attack in accusing others of NOT having Christian values, implying one is bad or evil. This really pisses me off...
Me too. Anyone who talks about Christian values as a single, monolithic entity has fallen into the trap of stereotyping, even when that person is himself or herself a Christian. I'm sure I've fallen into that trap myself more than once, but I try really hard to avoid it.
I, by no means, want to imply that a belief in Christ is in anyway
depreciating. Nearly all of my friends are Christians. If I have made anyone
feel bad, I apologize. My anger is at those who use "Christ" as a blunt
weapon, in an attempt to depreciate other beliefs, values and actions.
Is this clear?
As a bell. Dictionary.com defines "ecumenical" this way:
1. Of worldwide scope or applicability; universal.
a. Of or relating to the worldwide Christian church.
b. Concerned with establishing or promoting unity among churches or religions.
If you replace "unity" with "understanding," then I would say that I very much try to be ecumenical in the sense of 1b above, and when I see anyone misunderstanding Christianity by assuming that a particular set of Christian values or beliefs is representative of all Christians, I try to explain to them that there is quite a bit of diversity within Christianity. I certainly wasn't angered or offended by your post, I just thought you were coming from the very position you are against, and I apologize for misunderstanding you that way.
Reggie Bautista
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