THE DISEASE OF RELATIVISM
Judges 17: 6 Back in those days, Israel didn’t yet have a king, so each person did whatever seemed right in his own opinion.(International Standard Version, ISV)
The above verse from the book of Judges tells of what transpired during the period of the Judges in Israel. This verse is employed for the purpose of this discussion. Reading this verse usually does not only inform me on the history of the Israel nation but also makes me imagine the kind of community they lived in then.
Considering this verse, it will not take one far to identify a striking similitude between what happened in Israel in those days and what is going on in Christendom today; where everybody practice what he thinks the Bible is saying. And obviously, the result is not different from what it was then in the case of the Israelites i.e False Religion.
It is sad how people often come to conclusions like" it's okay for you to believe what you believe, so allow me to believe what I also believe " when some of their practices are questioned. This is a clear indication of the level to which relativism has permeated Christianity.
What then is this disease of relativism?
Relativism is the belief that there is no absolute truth. Relativists think that people can have different views about what is moral or immoral. Supposing, a question is asked; "is it okay to commit suicide?"[a]
To the relativists, the answer could be 'yes' or 'no' in relation to an individual's opinion or belief, or culture.
Relativity states that even time and space are relative concepts depending on where an observer happens to be........Einstein's Theory of Relativity.
Isn't it true what Paul told Timothy? ITim 6:20; O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called.
Relativism has been sold to us under several guises.
For instance moral relativism which asserts that there is no universal or absolute set of moral principles. That is to mean bribery is okay in some cultures or societies.[b] There are so many facets of relativism including global relativism which states that all things are relative.
One would consider the above given examples; (a) and (b) as extremes but that's what it is in reality. How many times haven't we heard the question "who am I to judge?", when discussing issues concerning salvation.
Who are you to condemn me?
The lack of understanding of certain verses in scriptures coupled with relativistic mindset has made it difficult to speak about the one objective truth presented to us in the scriptures. cf Eph 4:4-5.
Defenders of relativism would suggest to you that relativism helps to tolerate others and also allow for diversity. Which is not true at all. What if an individual also thinks that intolerance is good based on his relative views?
Also,diversity does not erase the fact that there is an independent and absolute truth. Well, if it will only be applied outside the Bible, I have no problem. But if we are going to apply relativism to the Bible, then we would be in trouble. This is because for relativism; every sort of interpretation is true depending on the angle where the interpreter is reasoning from. Likewise, the true interpretation could be false to one, depending on where one is observing the particular subject understudy from.
What is the point?
The point is, it is because we think every denomination is right with whichever interpretation of the scriptures, that is why we don't have one interpretation and for that matter one truth.
But let me state it emphatically that the Bible present only one absolute truth and it interpretation is one. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints I Cor 14:33
So,
which denomination's interpretation is the absolute truth?
The answer is easy to find if we do not have names of denominations in our minds, for no denomination is better than the other. For every denomination is trying to keep some part of the truth. The question is why not all the truth?
One has to disentangle himself from denominations and seek to be a Christian and Christian only in Christ's Church.
Then with diligent study of Gods word 2Tim 2:15, one will finally come to the truth. John 8:32 .The truth can be known. Being in search for Truth is not a an hour or a day's job. It is a lifetime duty of the Christian who seeks the crown above. We must study and apply good hermeneutical principles.
Let us give up the relativistic mindset otherwise we will never come to know that one objective truth.
Let me also make it clear that I'm not however, an espouser for those who claim that their denomination has the authority to establish what the truth is. Neither do I speak of any magisterium, or any one single person who claims to have the truth.
I believe that with non denominational, non relativistic and sincere and obedient hearts we can come to knowledge of the truth of every topic pertaining to our salvation. Acts 2:44; And all that believed were together, and had all things in common;
Note that, it is not the problem of not understanding the scriptures but the unwillingness to accept objective truth is the problem. And so yet again, we cannot blame God.
To be continued........
The Holy Spirit and interpretation
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