Thursday, December 8, 2016

Moral Relativism vs. Moral Absolutism


     Moral relativism is the notion that right and wrong are not absolute values, but are personalized according to the individual and his or her circumstances or cultural influences. So what may have been viewed as morally wrong in the 1600s, may not be viewed as morally wrong in the 21st century. What is viewed as morally wrong by one culture, may not be morally wrong for another culture.
     Proponents of moral relativism site man’s growing sophistication as the basis of their adherence to belief. Proponents declare that man has grown as a species and previous moral standards and cultural morays must change.
     The opposite of moral relativism is moral absolutism. Moral absolutism is the notion that right and wrong are not subjective, but is objective. An objective standard is used to measure right and wrong regardless of differing times, cultures, or philosophies.

     Certainly, history has seen the misapplication of moral absolutism by some people. However, that misapplication does not negate the need for moral absolutism.

     A society left to determine its own version of right and wrong, its own version of morality, or its own version of acceptable human behavior will produce a society based on pleasure, comfort, and ease.
     Transcendent morality is the moral compass that keeps humankind from veering into moral disaster. Although rejected by some philosophers, some members of academia, and others, some form of transcendent morally is essential to prevent a degradation of society. Historically, the Bible is the most honored moral code. It has survived the changing of empires, shifting cultures, and varying times.
     The Bible contains God’s standard for living. Some may disagree with it. Others may openly reject it. The Bible IS the objective standard for moral conduct. The Bible is the transcendent standard for moral conduct. The Bible is GOD’S standard for moral conduct.
     So what?
          1) When facing a moral dilemma, consult God's Word.
          2) When evidence of moral relativism emerges, apply God's Word.
          3) When needing direction for life, refer to God's Word.