Christianity and the Challenge of Moral Relativism
> In a world where moral relativism has gained prominence, asserting that ethical standards are determined by cultural beliefs or individual preferences, Christianity stands in contrast by upholding the existence of absolute moral truths.
This article delves into the Christian response to moral relativism, referencing biblical teachings and the perspectives of Christian philosophers, particularly Francis Schaeffer.
Biblical Foundations Against Moral Relativism
Christianity confronts moral relativism with the conviction that moral truth is grounded in the character and revealed will of God. The Bible serves as the foundational text for Christians, providing guidance on moral conduct and principles that are considered timeless and unchanging. Psalm 119:160, for example, states, “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” This verse reflects the Christian belief in the eternal and unchanging nature of God’s word.
The biblical narrative presents God as the ultimate source of morality, whose standards are not subject to human whims or cultural shifts. The Ten Commandments, as found in Exodus 20:1-17, are often cited as a clear example of absolute moral laws given by God. Christian ethics, therefore, are not seen as arbitrary but as rooted in the divine nature, which is intrinsically good, just, and holy.
Christian Philosopher Perspective: Francis Schaeffer on Moral Relativism
Francis Schaeffer, a notable Christian philosopher and theologian of the 20th century, was a vocal critic of moral relativism. He argued that the abandonment of a Christian basis for morality and truth leads to a loss of meaning and purpose in life. Schaeffer maintained that when society rejects absolute moral standards, it inevitably descends into chaos and despair, as there is no longer a fixed point of reference for right and wrong.
Schaeffer’s work emphasized the importance of a Christian worldview that recognizes God as the ultimate reality and the source of truth. He contended that only through a return to a Christian understanding of morality and truth can individuals and societies navigate the complexities of ethical dilemmas and moral decision-making with clarity and confidence.
Further Study with “The God Who Is There” by Francis Schaeffer
For those seeking an in-depth examination of Christianity’s response to moral relativism, Francis Schaeffer’s “The God Who Is There” is a seminal text. In this book, Schaeffer explores the philosophical and cultural shifts that have led to the rise of relativism and the consequent impact on morality and belief. He offers a compelling argument for the existence of a personal God who is the absolute reference point for all truth and morality.
“The God Who Is There” challenges readers to consider the implications of living in a world where moral absolutes are denied. Schaeffer provides a thoughtful critique of relativism and presents the Christian worldview as a coherent and intellectually viable alternative. His call to acknowledge the God of the Bible as the foundation for truth and morality resonates with those who sense the inadequacy of relativistic ethics to address the moral crises of our time.
Conclusion
Christianity’s confrontation with moral relativism is rooted in the conviction that there are absolute moral truths that reflect the character of a just and holy God. The Bible provides a framework for understanding and applying these truths, which stand in stark contrast to the shifting sands of cultural and individual moral preferences.
Through the insights of Christian philosophers like Francis Schaeffer, believers are equipped to engage with the challenges of relativism and to articulate a reasoned defense of the Christian moral worldview. Schaeffer’s works, including “The God Who Is There,” continue to inspire and guide those who seek to uphold the concept of absolute truth in an age of skepticism and uncertainty.
In adhering to the biblical teachings on morality, Christianity offers a stable and robust foundation for ethical living, one that transcends time and culture. It is through this unwavering commitment to divine truth that Christianity responds to the challenge of moral relativism, affirming the existence of moral absolutes in a relativistic world.
