Offended By The Truth

The empty shell of Relativism

Listen folks, this post will offend someone, I’m quite sure of it. As for me, I just can’t remain silent anymore. I’ve tried as hard as I could but unfortunately that train has left the rails. A cultural cancer is working its way through our society, in fact most likely the entire civilized world. Certain truths are no longer considered absolute. During my lifetime the cult of relativism has inched its way into prominence and is now in a fully embraced sprint. Just so we clearly define our terms, relativism is the belief that there is no absolute truth, only the truths that a particular individual or culture happen to believe at the time. I had to look this up but in fact relativistic views of morality first found expression in 5th century B.C. Greece, but they remained largely dormant until the 19th and 20th centuries. Today they have flourished and are inhabiting the minds and thoughts of proponents worldwide.

The problem lies in an individuals participation in a particular truth or cause. Here’s how it works as I have observed: An alternate or contemporary (non-traditional as I prefer) idea emerges within the mind of one or a few. It is then approved and adopted by “the crowd” or collective, upon which a media campaign erupts which eventually causes it to become mainstream. This is best accomplished within the generation campaigning for this change. Once accomplished, this now rather large segment of society begins to wield significant influence over the remaining populous. In the past this transpired over several years, but now with social media, it can happen within months or even weeks, depending on the complexity of the cause and the number of those willing to advocate for it.

The next stage, and I’ve see this happen as clearly as bright, disinfecting sunshine on a cloudless day, is when the generation wishing to impose change begins to enlist the support of the neighboring generations, parents and children. Children, due to their innocence and pliability are easily manipulated. Seasoned adults, not so much. Although many of them eagerly jump on board themselves perhaps out of fear of future social exclusion or often even they also have also longed for this change themselves and now all they have to do is join in.

That leaves the rest of us in a quandary. We either cling to the truths we were brought up on or we cave to the “new and improved truths” of today. So what shall we do? Well, it depends on what “truth” you are clinging to, doesn’t it? If you believe in absolute truth, you rest in the knowledge that some things are eternal and never change. Absolute truth is something that is true at all times and in all places. It is something that is always true no matter what the circumstances. It is a fact that cannot be changed. For example, there are no round squares. There are also no square circles. The angles of a triangle add up to 180 degrees. These are all true by definition.

But there is another Truth which we must consider. Many folks today feel (not think) comfortable in believing that Jesus Christ will accept whoever and whatever they choose to be regardless of what some “dubious”, misinterpreted Biblical passages plainly state. Fair enough. But if you are going to invoke Jesus Christ as an authority you MUST also acknowledge that He said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 and “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth..” John 17:17. Jesus proclaimed that HE alone in the Truth AND that His Word is Truth. So either Jesus is absolute Truth or He is a liar and you should not be parroting anything He said. And certainly don’t bother quoting Him in order to attempt to get a foothold on unwitting Christians. Tsk, tsk.

Therefore, we cannot change what is written in His Word in order to adapt to our current societal whims. In fact Jesus warns us about changing His Word: I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. Revelation 22:18. Jesus is merely echoing what was written in the Old Testament: Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. Proverbs 30:5-6. Therefore it’s perfectly acceptable to quote both Old and New Testaments in content in order to discern and understand Truth in defense of the full assault of modern relativism. This is why I do not need to go into specifics about certain modern day agendas which I know you’re already thinking about. If you desire to obey Jesus Christ then you are required to test all things with the Word of God. Heard an interesting new philosophy in the news or perhaps about a new social media campaign from your friends? I urge you to crack open your Bible and test it out before you fully embrace it. Jesus, the one who some folks insist is OK with this or that, will reveal whether its true or not.

The best advice anyone can offer you is found in Colossians 2:8: See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Make no mistake, this is exactly what is transpiring today. And it’s all right at your fingertips via your Iphone, 24/7. I love how Paul instructed Timothy: O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you. 1 Timothy 6:20-21.

Stay sharp and focused on the real Truth, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jim