Relativism = truth or moral or aesthetic value, etc, is not universal or absolute but may differ between individuals or cultures.
“It may not be right for everyone, but it’s right for me”
“If it makes me happy then I can do it and it’s right”
“I’ll decide what’s right”
“Those things don’t matter anymore, it’s 2011”
Relativism: it’s running rampant. The denial of any universal Truth, the ability of the individual to determine what is truth. Oh boy, we’re in trouble.
Whether or not you believe in the ‘literal’ Adam and Eve, the story is in the Bible for a reason, to teach. God did not give them the ability to determine what was right and what was wrong, no, God set that up. God did give them the freedom to choose between right and wrong.
We get that very confused these days (probably always did). Sometimes it can be subtle, but let’s take it to the extreme. My neighbor gets me angry so I kill him. For me, that was the right thing to do. I have a rule for myself that if someone gets me mad, I kill them. That just seems right for me.
Back to reality: A celebrity with lots of money steals some jewelry. She wanted it and so she took it. A celebrity abuses women, he felt like it and so he did it. And on and on…..
We see examples of relativism everyday, in the lives of others and in our own lives. The truth….or….the Truth. God determines Truth, we have the freedom to choose. It’s a very slippery slope.
Reflections on the Journey 
Exactly, Andie! I am so glad you posted this. Many Christians are afraid to speak the truth, but you do so in a respectful way. Good for you 🙂
Thanks Jade, we need to be reminded of this because it is so easy to get self-absorbed.
Hand in hand with relativism is the rejection of authority outside oneself. God is the ultimate Authority. He is the author of everything.
You’re right Ruth Ann, they do go hand in hand.
We are in the midst of postmodernism with all of its focus on the individual, so relativism is present.
The problem, which is significant, gets turned on its ear due to authortarianism… another issue and not the appropriate position to refute relativism from.
It is complicated and means going deeper, probably going quieter too.
So true, Fran. It goes very deep….we do need quiet time.
And following that same thought, how many people think something is all right to do, just because “everyone else is doing it.” I wonder if on some level, in instances you mention, the individual knows of course what is wrong, but finds the excuse to justify it easier than changing a behavior.
Slippery slope, yes . . . and it ends in disaster, both personal and national. Always has. Always will.
Amen Richard.
I’ve missed several of your posts … there are so many good thoughts in all of them.
Thanks so much, Susan. I feel the same way about yours.