Valid Values

It is a challenge to talk about values and a provocation to call them "valid". But it is necessary when human dignity is at stake. Freedom, love, truth and life determine and protect this dignity. The highest value is life; when it is threatened, one loses the experience of dignity. Mere autonomy going beyond value-oriented freedom can threaten life, physically and psychologically. If we do not respect our livelihoods, we threaten them. Genuine love of one's neighbour prevents tolerance from turning into populist, intolerant ideologies. Dignity as the standard for our coexistence gives rise to hope. Therefore, this book invites us to think, feel and act responsibly for a life ‘in fullness’ (John 10:10).

Mariéle Wulf, Dr. phil., Dr. theol. habil., teaches moral theology in Tilburg/NL, is a pastoral counselor in St. Gallen/CH and collaborates with the Center for Safeguarding of Minors and Vunerable Adults at St. Paul University, Ottawa/CA.