2. LANGUAGE OF MORAL VALUES

A rational discussion with our brothers and sisters on the Christian Right on "hot button" topics can be emotionally explosive and damaging to family relationships and friendships, if not approached with the recognition of and sensitivity to the other side's deep religious convictions. This is why we often studiously avoid such discussions with friends and family.

We take the approach here that any such discussion on "hot button" topics must be based on a common set of moral values. Because as Christians we are disciples of Jesus and acknowledge him as Lord, as our Lord, Jesus' teachings must be our supreme moral guide. Jesus' teachings are the "lens" by which we scrutinize our actions and decisions. Accordingly, Jesus' teachings are the backbone of the Example Dialogue below. A more detailed discussion of Jesus' teachings as our supreme moral guide (along with a catalogue of Jesus' teachings) is provided in the Syllabus.