Politicians frequently appeal to Judaeo–Christian values, yet retreat from them when fear dominates debate. The test is whether those values guide policy when it is hardest to apply them.

We live in a world of deep skepticism. Skepticism and fear are driven by perceived security threats, economic duress and general uncertainty. It is fuelled by mainstream media, social media and ‘influencers’ ready to offer simplistic solutions. It is fed by politicians who politicise fear for partisan political advantage. In this context, what value system can we rely on to draw us to safer ground?

Those on the right, insist our way of life is founded on Judaeo/Christian values and ethics, with acceptable moral behaviour being weighed in relation to these values.

I have no difficulty with this position, in fact endorse it. The ethic is relational; properly understood and acted upon, it sets individuals in a broad communal context, local, national, and global. It is bewildering that the consequence of this value system is deemed ‘left wing’, or ‘woke’ by the very people who claim it to be their foundation. So, Angus Taylor, David Littleproud or even Anthony Albanese, when you talk about Australian values, or Labour values, or Coalition values, what are you talking about and what are the implications of those values when legislated as policy? What ethical setting is guiding your rejection of 11 Australian women and their 24 children from retuning to Australia?

If you will allow me, may I articulate Judaeo/Christian values as I understand them, while humbly recognising they are often badly exhibited by Jewish and Christian institutions........

© Pearls and Irritations