Month Agobrittany Willman Ethical Relativism Collapse

1 Month Agobrittany Willmanethical Relativismcollapseethical Relativis

Ethical relativism is the philosophical perspective that asserts all moral points of view are equally valid, and that individuals or cultures determine what is right or wrong based on personal or societal preferences. This doctrine posits that there are no absolute moral truths—each person decides for themselves what is morally acceptable. However, this perspective is fundamentally flawed, as evidenced by biblical teachings and moral reasoning rooted in divine authority.

Scripture explicitly condemns ethical relativism through various passages. Isaiah 5:20 warns, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” This verse highlights the danger of relativism—when moral standards are inverted or dismissed, chaos and moral confusion follow. It underscores that there are clear standards of right and wrong established by God, not subject to personal interpretation.

Similarly, Romans 1:20-26 describes how humanity's rejection of divine truth leads to moral degradation. Paul emphasizes that God's invisible qualities are evident in creation, leaving mankind without excuse for ignoring His moral law. The passage describes how humanity exchanged the truth of God for lies, worshipping created things rather than the Creator, leading to vile passions and immoral behaviors. This scenario illustrates how abandoning divine moral standards results in societal decay, reinforcing the claim that morality is rooted in God's eternal law, not individual or cultural consensus.

Furthermore, John 8:44 states, “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him.” This verse identifies the devil as the source of lies and deception, often associated with relativistic attitudes that deny objective truth. Since God is the creator of morality, only He has the authority to define what is right and wrong, and humans are required to obey His commandments rather than invent their own moral codes.

The belief that humans can determine morality independently conflicts with biblical teachings and the understanding that conscience is a divine gift designed to guide moral awareness. Proverbs 14:12 states, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” This warns against trusting personal judgment alone, as human perceptions are fallible and susceptible to deception. Objective morality, anchored in God's character, provides a reliable standard that safeguards societies from moral chaos.

Contrary to claims made by relativists that free speech and religious expression should be censored, biblical truth provides a solid foundation for defending God's moral law. Christians uphold that God's commandments are absolute and eternal, and defending these truths is essential for moral clarity and societal stability. Historically, Christianity has offered a moral framework that promotes justice, compassion, and integrity, which are rooted in divine law rather than cultural or individual preferences.

In conclusion, ethical relativism is fundamentally false because it denies the existence of absolute moral standards established by God. Biblical scriptures clearly affirm that moral truths are rooted in divine law, and rejecting this leads to moral chaos and spiritual deception. As believers, Christians are called to uphold God's truth and defend His moral commandments against relativistic philosophies. Recognizing the divine origin of morality sustains social order and promotes a righteous way of living in accordance with God's will.

References

• Isaiah 5:20 (ESV). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+5%3A20&version=ESV
• Romans 1:20-26 (ESV). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1%3A20-26&version=ESV
• John 8:44 (ESV). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A44&version=ESV
• Proverbs 14:12 (ESV). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+14%3A12&version=ESV
• Geisler, N. L. (2011). Christian Ethics: Contemporary Angles and Issues. Baker Academic.
• Stark, R. (2019). The Victory of Reason: How Christianity Led to Freedom, Capitalism, and Western Success. Templeton Foundation Press.
• Craig, W. L. (2008). Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics. Crossway Books.
• Plantinga, A. (2011). Where the Conflict Really Lies: Science, Religion, and Naturalism. Oxford University Press.
• Wright, N. T. (2010). Evil and the Justice of God. InterVarsity Press.
• Hare, R. M. (2015). Moral Thinking: Its Levels, Place, and Nature. Oxford University Press.