If morals are relative, how can we pass judgments on others?

Question

"Genocide in Darfur is wrong"

"Religious indoctrination is child abuse"

Answer 1

I don't pass judgement on others - I pass suggestions.

I have always found it best to ask whether something is neccessary before I ask if it is right. Morality is a luxury which is usually not needed or practical. In practice I am usually considered by others to do the right thing. I might even have to question whether morality actually exists.

In your specific examples, I would say that genocide is not going to solve anything, and that indoctrination of any kind leads to a reduced capacity to think rationally and therefore is abusive (although the word may be too strong). It does not matter how I 'feel' about the 'morality' of these issues - the practical concerns are enough to say about both matters.

Perhaps all morality really is is the feeling of liking or not liking a concept. If so, then it should not be considered to be an entity in itself but simply a part of emotion.

Answer 2

Who is saying that morals are relative? Some beliefs about morals might be, like the assumption that the Big Dumb Mean Male Authority Figure in the Sky hates sissies. But we know what kind of behavior is best for us as individuals and as a society, and we know that we should behave in such a way. This does not include interfering in others' personal lifestyle choices, BTW.

But I like seeing you take on your straw man with such confidence and self assurance.

Answer 3

It's not OUR job to pass judgment - at least, not on those who don't practice our religious beliefs. Only GOD knows the heart of a person, and HE is their judge. The only judgment He has given us permission to pass relates to the church family. For example: God hates adultery, so if a brother / sister calls themselves a Christian but is involved in an adulterous affair, the elders of the congregation have the right to confront them about their sin and even remove them from the congregation if necessary, until the person repents. But even then, they do not have the right to judge that person's heart, because again - only GOD knows the heart of another person.

Answer 4

We can't judge others, only God can do that. Pointing out that something is wrong is not passing judgement. Passing judgement would be like saying " You are evil and there is no hope for you" God is infinatley loving and forgiving, there is hope for even the most wicked of sinners.

Answer 5

We are largely a product of our upbringing and experiences, the other factor is our genetics. Most criminals grew up in a horrible, often abusive, environment with no role models. Anyone with the same genetics would make the same decisions with the same brain chemistry.

Answer 6

it is always dominion to pass judgement on others, If everyone pointed that finger inward and judged only themself what a different world we would live in. This world is a test. we are here to choose do we want to live in dominion be a little god be " I 'm better than you" attitude or do we want to
choose love/fellowship/sharing/ the path back to father. Judging others will NOT get you back to father no matter how ok your church says it is to judge others it is not, It will NOT get you back to father. Stop judging before it is to late.

Answer 7

I think if the broadest scheme of things, one should not.

Humans/society will often make rules they think will lead to their self-preservation. They sometimes make stricter judgments than they should "just to be on the safe side" of self preservation.

It takes well-informed and logical humans/society to be able to know when something is not dangerous to them - merely different.

Answer 8

Moral relativism is wrong.
It is contrary to everything taught by every major religion.

Answer 9

God wants us to educate others about Him. It is our job spread the word !

Answer 10

We judge based on our personal morals

Whether or not it is fair or correct is irrelevant