Why do Christians oppose the philosophy of moral relativism?

Answer 1

It teaches that whether something is right or wrong depends on what culture it is in. Essentially, it says that morals vary completely according to culture. In the Bible, it teaches that all of mankind knows right from wrong, which is determined by God.

However, it does allow for varying expressions of certain things. Take Japan and Western countries in the early 1900s.... the Americans / British were shocked that Japanese people went to bath houses, and were naked in front of men, women, and children. But in that culture, it was normal. Westerners thought it was lewd. HOWEVER the Japanese were equally shocked that Americans kissed and showed affection in public, because to them THAT was considered lewd. Discretion and modestly were common to both, but they expressed it in different ways. Just like morals are common to mankind, but we express them in different ways.

Answer 2

While they say they oppose it, in action they do not. Take for example, the teaching that working on the Sabbath is an offense punishable by being stoned to death. Another example is the teaching that one cannot wear more than one type of garment on the Sabbath and other "holy" days; an offense again punishable by death. Hangings and be-headings were once done with the blessing of Christian leaders, such as cardinals and popes. Over time, even their own actions have become reprehensible. Even if they refuse to admit it, they still have changed what is "right" and "wrong" in their own lives. These actions suggest that moral relativism is at work, and in the future these morals will continue to change.

Answer 3

In philosophy, moral relativism is the position that moral or ethical propositions do not reflect objective and/or universal moral truths, but instead make claims relative to social, cultural, historical or personal circumstances. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_relativism)

I hadn't heard the term before so I had to do a little reading. From what I understand, this philosophy is centered around the thought that morals and ethics are direct result of culture. I have no issues with this. I think the misunderstanding comes in with the mixture of cultures in America. The U.S. is a cultural melting pot, which means there are many different personal standards among the citizens. In our country, we have to consider each family unit as culture. Each family has its own set of standards for life. My family is mostly Christian and we follow Christian values and base our morals on the teachings of Christianity. Other families have roots in different cultures and religions (or lack there of) so they have different standards on which the base their morals. I don't understand why anyone would have a problem with this philosophy. It makes sense.

Are you trying to make an arguement that Christians don't tolerate other cultures, or that their belief that Jesus is the only way to heaven is wrong? All cultures believe that the way they do things is the right way, or they would conform to another way of living. I accept the fact that other people have different standards and morals, but that doesn't mean I have to change mine to conform.

Answer 4

Because do what is right is about acting on a predetermined idea of right and wrong. I'm not saying you should be christian or anything else, but you should determine what you stand for and let that be your guiding force. It's about being actionary not reactionary. Do you want to follow the crowd and let them determine for you how you should go or do you want to set boundries and live the life you believe is right.
For example, if a cashier gives me too much change I will give the excess back. It would be more convient for me to keep the money. Man, I sure could use it. But I've already decided in my mind that keeping it is wrong. It is not mine and I feel much better for having given it back. Many would call me stupid for not keeping it. In fact some have. But I don't have to live with them. I have to live with myself.
Living with rules and boundries gives my life structure, meaning and (believe it or not) freedom.

Answer 5

Because christian's believe god is the one who has told us how to live. so morality cannot be relative; god has (in theory) set down clear guidelines as to what it means to be good or bad.
Moral relativism means that humans have decided what is good or bad for each culture or group of people based on nothing more than whatever they want to belive - christians would argue that ALL people are subject to God's moral teachings regardless of culture, religion or whatever.

Answer 6

I agree wtih FIGJAM -- God sets the rules and they are moral absolutes and are not subject to change by any man.

Humans are sinful and unreliable and too often trust in their emotions when making decisions. The only thing that can stem from a wicked heart is wickedness in one variation or another. Even the good intentions of men apart from God are totally unsatisfactory to God because they are man centered and sustained by man apart from God.

Answer 7

Less control.

Religions generally seek to control their converts. One way of doing this is to lay down strict laws and order them to be followed. Ritual, discipline and personal sacrifice help to bond the group together and give the leaders more control, as the authority for such actions.

Answer 8

It makes people uneasy to live in a world without clean, clear definitions and rules for behavior. They get confused and afraid.

Answer 9

Because it's a cop out

Answer 10

Most likely because they cannot pronounce, or spell it.