Axiology is the study of value. Its goal is to answer questions related to both ethics and aesthetics. Questions about what is ultimately good, bad, right, and wrong pertain to ethics. Questions about what should be considered art, what is beautiful, and related issues pertain to aesthetics. More than just stating what is valuable or not valuable, those who study these fields try to set forth reasons for why things have value or not. For instance, if the death penalty is wrong, why is it wrong? Is it because this type of punishment is unjust? If so, why is it unjust? If it is because human life has value such that it should never be purposely taken by another human, then what (if anything) conveys this value? Does society or culture give this value? Or, put slightly differently, is there any way to ground (i.e. to set forth an immutable principle underlying certain rationale) our value claims? Widespread disagreement exists about many aspects of axiology, but it remains a compelling and lively topic.
Axiology is found throughout the Bible. Value itself is rooted in the very nature of God, who causes all things to be (Exodus 3:14; Hebrews 1:3). In Christianity, there is an objective ground for moral values and duties in addition to an objective ground for aesthetic value. This ground of goodness and beauty is knowable to all (Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:18-20). We know that humans have intrinsic worth because they are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27; 9:5-6). Human value is also demonstrated in God's merciful redemptive work to save humans from sin (John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21). We also know that all other things in the created order have value because God created them, made them for a reason, and gave humanity stewardship over them (Genesis 1:28; 2:15). By His very nature, God always acts for a purpose. This means that even the things that seem insignificant to us are valuable to God; He regards them and cares for them all (Matthew 6:26-33). God has created things for us to enjoy and they all point to Him. We have a principle of justice because God is just. We have a standard for beauty and art because of how God has ordered creation.Many Bible verses speak about value, worth, goodness, and beauty. Consider the poetry books, such as Job (see chapters 38—39), the Psalms (Psalm 8:1-4; 89:5), or Song of Solomon. These books articulate value and beauty in various ways, showing God as the source of it all. Throughout the entire Bible, God shows us that He loves us, values us, and wants us to be with Him. The first and best place to study axiology is God's Word (the Bible).