Invoking secular values like "autonomy" or "self-realization" can be just as much of a "conversation stopper" as appealing to the Bible.
He talks fervently about the importance of family but seldom sees his own children or grandchildren; he invokes religious values but almost never goes to church.
I suspect that Mr. Loconte's article is an attempt to negate, in advance, any attempts by the Democrats to invoke religious values.
Advocacy groups must legitimate their courses of action based on invoking specific social norms and values.
Invoking decorous values like self-restraint, decency, respect, personal and parental responsibility, and compassion has become an American pastime.
And he invoked "American values" in his comments.
For weeks, Mr. Kerry has been invoking "values" in an effort to offset Republican efforts to paint him as too liberal.
Due to imperialism and the impetus to modernize, many countries have invoked Western values of self-determination, liberalism, democracy and independence in the past.
Nevertheless, the agreement has a much broader character, since it invokes other values that are important for both sides in this partnership.
They seek to invoke liberal values for illiberal causes.