Yesterday, I wrote about values, and what I think they are — especially how our values are revealed by behavior, along with some suggestions on how to assess your own core values.

So, I was asked some pointed values-questions by email from an online friend who knows my position. I thought I'd post my replies here so you, my Gentle Readers, can get to know me a little better. This was a useful exercise for me, perhaps it would be for you, too?

I've always been suspicious of the word "values" when used as anything other than a verb. As in:

"Johnny values his bicycle."

I'm suspicious because it feels like a noble word that has been debased by liberal educators in order to pander "values-based" curriculum. (Remember the dreaded "values clarification" exercises?  — see my thoughts on this at: "The Basis for Christian Ethics.")

Unfortunately, for those who don't recognize absolutes in morality and ethics, then one man's "values" are as good and worthwhile as the next with the only distinction being, "How's that working for you?"