Let ’ s explore several aspects of this philosophy called relativism to become better equipped to use our heads and avoid merely following our hearts when making important decisions .
Three questions will chart our discussion : 1 ) How legitimate is relativism ? 2 ) Why is it so attractive ? 3 ) What are its results ?
Aspect One : Relativism is hopelessly flawed .
First , it is inconsistent . Relativists say they believe all perspectives are equally valid , but they flatly reject the idea that absolute truths exist . To them , the non-existence of absolutes is an absolute . This defies all logic . The first law of rational thought is the law of non-contradiction , which says that a principle and its opposite can ’ t mutually be true . 4 Inevitably , relativism permits and even compels people to believe falsehoods , and sooner or later , reality hits .
Second , absolutes exist , and they are self-evident . Every time a person looks at his watch , takes a measurement of some sort , drives her car , eats a meal or a snack , writes a check , or does any one of a countless number of other things , that person is relying on standards and principles he or she assumes to be reliably and consistently true . Were they not , chaos would prevail .
Third , people everywhere benefit from absolutes in the physical world , whether they are consciously aware of it or not . For example , gravity makes ordered life on earth possible . Defying it can be harmful and even lethal .
Sadly , relativists increasingly have been given free passes to promote blatantly false ideas . The same people who refuse to define the word woman will say they believe men can become pregnant and have abortions . 5 , 6 They deride males who speak out against abortion for being publicly pro-life because “ abortion is a women ’ s issue ,” 7 even though Roe vs . Wade , the Supreme Court decision that unleashed abortion on America nationwide 50 years ago , was decided by seven male Supreme Court justices .
Fourth , absolutes exist in the moral realm , just as they do in nature . Is racism wrong ? Is slavery a moral evil ? Christian apologist J . Warner Wallace asks rhetorically , would anyone contend it is morally okay to kill people just for the fun of it ? 8 Even relativists will admit these questions highlight principles everyone should honor — even though , according to them , absolute standards aren ’ t supposed to exist .
Fifth , even relativists appeal to moral absolutes when they feel their own rights have been violated . Just ask one if he would mind if you stole his wallet or if she would care if you snatched her purse .
Sixth , people , therefore , know innately that absolute truth exists . As Scripture says , the law — God ’ s law — is “ written on their hearts ” ( Rom . 2:15 ).
We began by saying that relativism is inconsistent . Our seventh point expounds on this principle . Relativism is inconsistent — so much so that it collapses under its own weight . It does not work in the real world . Relativists attempt to dodge this by appealing to relativism when they encounter an idea they like and ignoring it when they encounter one they dislike . Relativism ’ s inconsistencies , therefore , are mirrored in the behavior of its adherents .
Aspect Two : If relativism is so thoroughly flawed , then why is it so enticing ?
First , it appeals to people ’ s emotions . The notion that everyone can be right sounds and feels good and noble .
Second , relativism appeals to people ’ s imaginations . The temptation to create one ’ s own “ reality ” is powerful . I believe this is a primary reason the transgender movement has gained so much ground .
Third , social pressure to espouse relativism is extremely intense . Just a scant few decades ago , tolerance meant showing respect for those with whom one disagrees . Today people are accused of being intolerant if they don ’ t 1 ) agree with and 2 ) celebrate whatever a person chooses to do or to be . No one wants to be condemned as judgmental or full of hate — but do you see the hypocrisy here ? Those who condemn people who believe in absolutes of being hateful and judgmental actually are being hateful and judgmental themselves !
Fourth , believing in absolutes requires people to think through their positions and defend them intellectually , at least in their own minds . It ’ s much easier to “ go along with the crowd .”
Fifth , relativism appeals to human pride . It gives each individual an excuse to become his or her own god .
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