What I meant Philo is that some religious posters seem to espouse compassion towards refugees (presumably an extension of compassion towards humanity generally) while others are more inclined to a hard-line approach.

I find this interesting in the context of recent media articles about how some strands of christian fundamentalism (prosperity gospel etc) are not actually in tune with the most important teachings of jesus about loving thy neigbour and caring for the weak etc. It seems to me that although I am entirely unreligous that I can co-exist with and respect people who regard compassion as a core value. If there is good in religion, this is where it comes from. On the other hand, I have difficulty getting along with those who lach compassion and use religion as justification for imposing rigid, unreasoned bigotries on others. This is where the bad aspects of religion become uppermost.

"Peter Costello is fond of speaking about Christian values. It has puzzled me."
Why, he is a money changer.

haha! sorry, it just made me laugh.. probably cos' it's completely true..

Donna
You are referring to the New Testament.
Peter Costello and co. are referring to the Old Testament - you know the eye for an eye stuff.
By selecting pieces of the old testament any action or inaction can be jsutified.

If you had bothered to read Peter Costello's speach the values he refers to is respect for our laws and way of life, not some driven on an eye for an eye.

Thought I’d check what Wiki had to say about these “Christian values”.

The biblical teachings of Christ include

1. worship of God: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind."

2. fidelity in marriage: "Whom God has joined together let no man put asunder."

3. renunciation of worldly goods: "Gather not your riches up upon this earth, for there your heart will be also."

4. renunciation of violence: "If a man strike you on one cheek, turn the other cheek."

5. forgiveness of sins: "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us."

6. unconditional love: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"

In the 21st Century, the phrase "Christian values" was used by many conservative groups to describe the following values,

• censorship of sexual content, especially in movies and on television

• the desirability of laws against induced abortion

• the desirability of laws against birth control

• sexual abstinence outside of marriage

• the desirability of laws against same-sex marriage

• the desirability of reinstituting faculty-led prayer in taxpayer-funded schools"

While there is some merit in these ‘values’ they are very proscriptive and discriminatory. Not many Christians to this forum appear to follow many of these values at all.
Especially numbers 3, 4, 5 and 6 – particularly in regard to non-Christians.

As for the 21st Century addition – it’s ALL about sex; nothing about equality, compassion or respect.

Cont.