Citizen Columns
Citizen Columns >> Answer (September 09th, 2006)
Question
What is moral relativism and why do some theologians feel
it has so damaged modern society?
Answer
Moral relativism is the idea that that are no moral absolutes. Every moral
decision depends on the people involved, the circumstances, social needs.
What you decide might be fine for you, but don't impose your view on anyone
else.
But relativism is not a modern concept. It goes back to the Greek
philosopher Protagoras, who is often credited with being the first
relativist (5th c. BC). Not coincidentally, he was also an agnostic. If
there is no certainty about god or gods, then there is no absolute Creator
or Lawgiver and therefore human beings are on their own to determine what is
best for them at any given time or place His agnostic position led to his
relativism. Both of these are summed up in his most famous saying: "man is
the measure of all things." In fairness, he was legitimately concerned that
a despotic elite could impose their views of religion, truth and morality on
others, hence he championed the individual voice and democratic process. The
Enlightenment picked up on these ideas, and the more our modern democratic
society has moved away from accepting absolute authority in the realm of
government and religion, the more it has also cut the anchor of moral
absolutes. Dostoevsky take this to its logical conclusion when he says that
if there is no God, everything is permitted.
In the Eastern Christian view morality is based on how we understand the
purpose of human life. To use an analogy, a scalpel is designed to be used
in surgery as an instrument of healing. But it might also be used to cut
carrots or commit a murder. Its best use is the purpose for which it was
made. So human beings are created to love and obey God and to be in
communion with Him and with their fellow human beings. When this doesn't
happen, and God is cut out of the picture, then deformations and destruction
are the inevitable result.
Father John Jillions
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