David Fairchild posts on ten values of the early church which he has gleaned from Rodney Stark. David didn't tell us which of Stark's writings this came from, so if anyone knows exactly where this is from I would welcome the info.
Fairchild points out a couple of important things. If you read his post he has an extra comment about each of these showing how diametrically opposite they were to the culture's prevailing values.
Secondly he points out that, given our current situation, several of these things would fit in with more conservative ideology and several would fit in with more liberal ideology. His point, which I believe is well taken is how important it is that we not let ourselves as Christians and as the church be defined by the world's categories.
• 1- They refused to attend blood thirsty entertainment.
• 2- They did not serve in the military to support Caesar's wars of conquest.
• 3- They were against abortion and infanticide.
• 4- They empowered women by showing their value and dignity in places of learning and service which had previously been exclusively for men.
• 5- They were against sex outside of marriage.
• 6- They were against homosexual relationships.
• 7- They were exceptionally generous with their resources.
• 8- They were radically for the poor.
• 9- They mixed races and social classes in ways that were unseen in their gatherings, and for it they were considered scandalous.
• 10- They believed only Christ was the way to salvation.
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