Axiology – What is it?

Quick answer

Axiology is the study of value, which is important when discussing the value God places upon mankind.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

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.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

God gave mankind value by making him in His own image (Genesis 1:26).
God carefully hand-crafted man and woman (Genesis 2:7, 21-22).
God offered forgiveness and hope after the rebellion (Genesis 3:15).
God spared Noah and his family during the flood (Genesis 6:17-18).
God rescued Lot from the destruction of Sodom (Genesis 19:15-17).
God delivered His people from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12:40-42).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Jesus calls us friends (John 15:15).
Jesus received the wrath of God for us, showing how much He loves us (2 Corinthians 5:21).
In Philippians 4:8, the apostle Paul writes, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." James 1:17 tells us, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." Many verses tell us about value, worth, goodness, and beauty.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

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).

UNDERSTAND

Axiology is the study of value, covering ethics (what is good and right) and aesthetics (what is beautiful). It seeks to justify why things are valuable or not.
The Bible, revealing God’s character and nature, provides an objective basis for moral and aesthetic values.
The Bible reveals the inherent worth of all creation.

REFLECT

How does your understanding of God's creation and His declaration of human value (Genesis 1:26-27) influence your own sense of worth and purpose?
Looking at creation, what do you find beautiful and valuable, and how does that point back to God and His intentional creation of those things?
Consider your appreciation for art or beauty. How does having a Creator influence the way you perceive and value beauty in the world?

ENGAGE

Atheism or evolutionism, by their nature, does not inherently provide a basis for inherent beauty or worth in the same way that Christianity does. Without a belief in a creator or God, beauty and worth are often seen as subjective or culturally determined. Evolutionism, focusing on natural selection and genetic adaptation, also does not provide a basis for inherent beauty and worth, as it emphasizes survival advantages and subjective cultural constructs over intrinsic value.
Discuss the implications of understanding human worth through the lens of being created in God's image. How does this impact our interactions with others and our responsibilities towards creation?
In what ways can the Christian understanding of beauty and aesthetics influence our engagement with culture and the arts? How does this perspective differ from secular views of art and beauty?