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Relativism: a theory that conceptions of truth and moral values are not absolute but are relative to the persons or groups holding them. Great, 3 min. clip warning us to fight relativism. And may I add my own reminder…as goes the church, so goes the culture.
Interesting…a reader sent me this quote:
“We are moving toward a dictatorship of relativism which does not recognize anything as for certain and which has as its highest goal one’s own ego and one’s own desires.”
5 comments
Amen, amen and AMEN!
A little strong. Relativism does not only come in the form he speaks of. Simply because we do live in different cultures, and expericne different things, and have different persoanlities, and different ‘thorns’ or ‘gifts’, it is only logical that some aspects of living life are relative. I just believe that those ‘relativisms’ can be encompassed within the true and right boundaries of God, and some of you dont.
Now, where Piper goes on to say that some exclaim there is NO truth, and we do whatever feels good,etc, I agree-that can be dangerous. However, there is a place where it is ok that we all dont live by the same exact micro-managing truths. I guess it all depends where the protocol lies. The Bible is clear that we will not all be judged the same. How could this be if there is only One Truth for every single topic in life? It just cannot, rationally, be so.
AM,
“How could this be if there is only One Truth for every single topic in life?”
I can’t find where Piper said that.
The very real issue is the fact that we have become relative in almost every area, micro or not. We have elevated “grace” to a ridiculous level of tolerance and that is no gospel Jesus ever practiced.
Taking a look across history, just watch how we have changed our stance on topics of divorce, homosexuality, abortion, modesty, children, sin, etc.
We have slid, every so slightly, into a place where now blatant sin is acceptable, as long as I am “trying” my best. Not what the gospel teaches.
I read from Romans this morning: “Abhor what is evil, cleave to what is good.”
That presupposes that we have defined “evil and good”.
Areas of gray? Absolutely! But maybe not as many as we like to think.
Kelly,
***“How could this be if there is only One Truth for every single topic in life?”
I can’t find where Piper said that. ***
No, I was surmising this: “The Bible is clear that we will not all be judged the same. How could this be if there is only One Truth for every single topic in life? It just cannot, rationally, be so.”
Meaning, there can not be One Truth for ever topic; hence we would all be judged exactly the same. Some ‘topics’ encompass larger areas; all I was saying.
*** We have elevated “grace” to a ridiculous level of tolerance and that is no gospel Jesus ever practiced.***
Agreed. In my experince, we need to also be careful to not allow anyone we are helping “be swallowed up in overmuch sorrow”. Danger both ways. I think perhaps in trying to create a healthy balance, knowing that the Grace preached today isnt True Grace at all-we sometimes error in being too hard on people, and judging them on things they were not aware…I agree, just saying we dont have a measuring stick, nor know the intricate details. I know in my life, Ive been sorely punished simply from being misunderstood. It all came down to people not knowing how to handle situations, but *thinking* that they did. So, I say use caution,and suppose ourselves not to know everything, but Yes I agree.
***Areas of gray? Absolutely! But maybe not as many as we like to think.***
I know what you are saying, and in spite of my devils’ advocate posts, I mostly agree with you. I suppose we just have differing ways of approaching the topics. Which perhaps, is apart of the plan. I dont know.
I mentioned a few, what should be, “blaring” sins above, though it goes without saying relativism has certainly caused us to define truth on less noticeable areas as well. Lying, cheating, stealing, pride–acts being winked at now were once those people were killed for. Just to draw the contrast.
Still, yes, it is very hard to define truth beyond the absolutes of Scripture. However, since we (the church) can’t even agree on absolutes anymore, it is painfully obvious that the compromise has been made father back and warrants our urgent attention to avoid sliding further into false doctrine.