A Layman’s Guide to Understanding Christian Values by What They Aren’t
When people talk about “Christian values,” it’s easy to get swept up in assumptions, stereotypes, and misunderstandings. Some think it’s all about rules, others think it’s about judgment, and still others might associate it with a particular political stance or cultural tradition. But to truly understand Christian values, it helps to look at what they are not. Here’s a post, in plain language, to clear up the confusion.
Christian Values Are Not Just About Rules
Not a Checklist of Dos and Don’ts
Some folks imagine Christian values as a long list of regulations: don’t do this, don’t do that. But that’s not really the heart of it. Sure, the Bible has commandments and teachings, but Christian values are not simply about ticking off boxes or following a set of strict rules. The core of Christianity is about relationships—how people relate to each other and to God—not about keeping score.
Not Obsessive Perfectionism
It’s a mistake to think Christian values demand perfect behavior at all times. Christianity acknowledges human imperfection and the need for grace. The faith recognizes that everyone falls short and needs forgiveness—so being flawless is not the expectation.
Christian Values Are Not Exclusively Political
Not the Same as a Political Agenda
Sometimes “Christian values” get mixed up with political positions or party platforms, but they aren’t one and the same. While someone’s faith might influence their personal views, Christian values don’t automatically mean support for any particular policy, law, or political party. People of faith can have very different opinions on politics and still share core Christian values.
Not About Controlling Society
It’s also a mistake to think Christian values mean imposing beliefs on everyone else. True Christian values encourage persuasion through example rather than force. They prioritize freedom of conscience and respect for others’ beliefs, rather than demanding conformity.
Christian Values Are Not Judgmentalism
Not About Looking Down on Others
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Christianity is about judging others. At their core, Christian values actually emphasize humility and compassion. The teachings of Jesus repeatedly warn against self-righteousness and looking down on others. Christian values call people to examine themselves first, before pointing fingers.
Not Hypocrisy
Some think “Christian values” mean acting “holier-than-thou” or hiding behind a mask of morality. But true Christian values call for honesty, transparency, and acknowledging one’s own failings. Hypocrisy is actually warned against in the Bible; Christian values encourage authenticity.
Christian Values Are Not About Exclusion
Not Us vs. Them
It can seem, from the outside, that Christians are supposed to set themselves apart from everyone else. But Christian values, at their root, are not about excluding people. The message of Jesus is open invitation, not closed doors. The faith calls for loving neighbors, welcoming strangers, and caring for those who are different.
Not Limited to One Culture or Ethnicity
Christian values are not only for one type of person, one country, or one group. The teachings of Jesus crossed boundaries and reached people from all walks of life. Christianity’s values are meant for everyone, regardless of background.
Christian Values Are Not About Wealth or Status
Not Material Prosperity
There’s a misconception out there that being a Christian means you’ll get rich, healthy, or successful. But the teachings of Christianity emphasize spiritual well-being, not material wealth. In fact, Jesus often talked about the dangers of focusing too much on money or status.
Not Social Climbing
Christian values don’t mean trying to look better than others or gain influence for its own sake. Humility is far more central to the Christian message than self-promotion.
Christian Values Are Not About Fear
Not Driven by Fear or Guilt
Some might think Christianity is about making people feel afraid or guilty. But authentic Christian values are motivated by love, hope, and faith. While there are warnings and calls to responsibility, the driving force is meant to be positive, not negative.
Not About Avoiding Joy
It’s easy to think Christian values suppress enjoyment or happiness in life, but that’s not true. Christianity encourages joy, celebration, and gratitude. The faith sees life as a gift, not a burden.
Christian Values Are Not Static or Unchanging
Not Stuck in the Past
Sometimes people think Christian values are old-fashioned or can’t adapt to modern life. But the core ideas—love, forgiveness, kindness—apply in any era. The way people live out those values can change with time and culture.
Not Blind Tradition
Christian values aren’t just about following tradition for tradition’s sake. While traditions can be meaningful, the heart of Christian living is about the values themselves, not the rituals alone.
Christian Values Are Not Narrow-Mindedness
Not Closed to Questions
Some believe Christianity discourages questions and doubts. In truth, many Christian communities welcome honest questioning and see it as part of growing in faith. Christian values encourage learning, seeking understanding, and wrestling with difficult issues.
Not Anti-Science or Anti-Reason
Christian values do not mean opposing science or reason. Many Christians value education and see science as compatible with faith. The core values—love, justice, mercy—do not require people to remove themselves from rational thought or evidence.
Christian Values Are Not About Pure Individualism
Not “Me First”
Christianity is not simply about personal gain or salvation. Christian values call people to serve others, care for the poor, and seek justice for all. The faith is communal, stressing relationships and the well-being of the broader community.
Not About Isolation
Some think being a Christian means separating oneself from the world. But Christian values call for responsible engagement, helping and loving others, and making a positive difference in society.
So What Are Christian Values? (A Brief Glimpse)
Since this post is about what Christian values are not, here’s a little peek at what they actually are: love, compassion, forgiveness, humility, service, patience, kindness, honesty, and hope. These are the principles that guide Christians in their everyday lives, not a list of rules, a political platform, or an excuse to judge others.
Christian values call individuals to resist conforming to worldly patterns, instead seeking transformation through renewed minds that discern God’s will, and to live by God’s standards, cultivating virtues like compassion, kindness, humility gentleness, and patience.
Conclusion: Clearing Up the Confusion
Christian values, when stripped of the misconceptions, are really about striving to live with love and purpose. They aren’t a tool for exclusion, a badge of status, or a barrier to happiness and curiosity. Instead, they invite people to seek what’s best for themselves and others, to show grace, to act with integrity, and to walk humbly. If more people understood what Christian values truly are—and what they are not—there’d likely be a lot less confusion and a lot more kindness in the world.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 