What do we mean by values? A civil reflection in a divided time

I recognize that in writing this, I may face criticism from some who disagree – but that’s precisely why this conversation matters. There was a time in our democracy when people could hold differing views on values and still engage in respectful, civil discourse. I believe that time must return.

When former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke of “Canadian values,” many of us noticed that those values did not reflect the Judeo-Christian foundation that helped shape this nation. As our society drifts further from its spiritual roots, we must not be silent when the very meaning of “values” is being redefined.

As one wise voice once said, we should be “hard on the issues, but soft on the people.” We don’t win hearts through name-calling or cancel culture. But we do have a responsibility – especially in a democracy – to discern, to engage, and to make informed choices about who we entrust with authority to govern our nation.

That brings us to Mark Carney and his 2021 book, Values: Building a Better World for All.

Contrasting Worldviews: Mark Carney vs. Judeo-Christian Values

Definition of value

Carney’s view:

He defines value as “the regard that something is held to deserve.” It’s largely shaped by societal consensus and often equated with market worth. In his words, when we “price everything and value nothing,” we lose sight of what truly matters.

Judeo-Christian view:

Value is not defined by human consensus or market forces – it is rooted in the unchanging character of God. Every human being is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and possesses inherent dignity and worth. What is valuable is determined by what God declares to be good, just, and true – not by majority vote or economic trends.

Source of values

Carney’s view: He sees values as socially constructed – shaped by culture, economics, and evolving societal norms. He calls for a return to values like fairness, responsibility, and integrity within capitalism.

Judeo-Christian view: Values are not fluid; they are revealed by God through Scripture. Truth, justice, mercy, humility, and righteousness are not invented by societies – they are grounded in the very nature of God. We are not free to redefine them according to the spirit of the age.

The moral foundation

Carney’s view: His framework emphasizes ethics within systems – fairer capitalism, sustainable development, and inclusion. While noble in intent, his values are pragmatic and humanistic in origin.

Judeo-Christian view: The foundation is God’s holiness and righteousness. Our values are not just social preferences but moral absolutes. For example, the sanctity of life, the importance of marriage and family, and caring for the poor are non-negotiable truths, not evolving social trends.

The climate crisis: A crisis of value?

Carney’s view: He sees climate change as a crisis because we have failed to value the environment correctly in our economic systems. His solution? Realign market values with what society deems important – including sustainability. His method to do this is through Carbon taxes.

Judeo-Christian view: We agree that creation care matters – but for different reasons. The earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24:1), and we are stewards, not owners. Yet climate change is also a symptom of a deeper issue: human rebellion against God’s order. Real change begins not just in policy, but in repentance and restored relationship with the Creator.

Conclusion: Who defines what matters?

Mark Carney’s values offers insightful critiques of economic injustice and environmental neglect. But his solutions rest on shifting human consensus rather than eternal truth. As citizens – and more importantly, as people of faith – we must ask: Who defines what is valuable?

If we hand over moral authority to those who reject God’s truth, we will reap the consequences. But if we return to the unshakable foundation of Judeo-Christian values, we can rebuild a nation grounded not just in sustainability – but in righteousness, truth, and hope.