Moral Relativism Sweeps Away Unsuspecting
Moral Relativism Sweeps Away Unsuspecting
Moral relativism is the idea that truth may be interpreted according to one’s feelings. Since my opinions and feelings are different than yours, what I decide is right for me may not be right for you. Each person’s feelings concerning what is right or wrong are equally acceptable and replace biblical principles that make a division between right and wrong. At this point, moral relativism replaces truth in practice. Moral relativism sweeps away unsuspecting pastors in the following areas: 1) In forsaking context for word definition, correct interpretation is abandoned. When we interpret Scripture based on alternate word definitions, we get a wrong interpretation. Even with the right definition, everything must be put into context. 2) Truth is interpreted according to one own feelings. 3) Right or wrong in practice is determined on personalities (how the issue affects my family or friends). When we abandon absolute truth, fellowship in a scriptural association becomes shifting sands as we move from issue to issue. Several current issues are a) what is appropriate in worship behavior, b) what kind of music in worship, c) what Bible translation to use d) what missionaries, pastors and deacons qualifications are important e) what youth program to use and f) what literature to use. When there is no absolute truth, the Bible no longer means what it once did to many. Those who should be standing for truth based on studied out biblical principles concerning what is truth and what should I practice are flying by the seat of their pants from circumstance to circumstance. Correct interpretation may be explained away. A scriptural association may unravel or splinter into several issue groups.
Consider the following parody. “In these days, there is no absolute truth in the association, and every preacher interprets the Bible according to what seems right in his own eyes.” Such a sad state of affairs may be termed moral relativism. This influence results in preachers being unwilling to take the tough stands for truth. Such a viewpoint results in a pastor’s ministry bouncing all over like a pinball from issue to issue, feeling to feeling and personality to personality. While unsuspecting preachers are jumping from one side of one issue to the other side of another issue, the Lord’s work suffers,
extrabiblical ideas filter in and the commitment to practice the truth sneaks away. Good men still preach truth, but practice moral relativism.
God’s unchanging truth is not an option to be considered, it is the absolute gold standard. The days of moral relativism prophesied in the Bible have arrived. 2 Timothy 4:3, 4 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” When anyone rejects taking a stand for biblical principles of truth for whatever reason, he practices moral relativism.
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Bro. Archbishop,
ReplyDeleteThis is again is a very good post. It is so true to what is going on among our churches and associated work. May God deliver me from practicing moral relativism. May God deliver Landmark Missionary Baptist from practicing moral relativism. We all need to stay with the Bible all the time. We have an anchor in the Living Word and His Written Word and when we veer away from it we are bound to get in trouble.
I have a message entitled "Maintaining Our Landmark Distinctives." More then ever we need to contend for the faith.
This is a good post. Moral relativism seems to have permeated every facet of American life... to the point that unwed teenage mothers are proud of their status. It has gotten so bad that some even dare to stand up in church and defend this behavior, because the rest of us "just don't know how it is, or what it's like."
ReplyDeleteKudos.
One thing I've noticed is more and more sin posted openly on web sites (not just facebook or myspace) by both adults and teenagers. The all famous picture of holding a beer can shows up everywhere. Cursing is rampant as well.
ReplyDeleteJust one more reason I feel so strongly about showing the Lord to the generation coming up.
Just wanted to address the whole post.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said, but one thing you mentioned was what the Bible teaches about ...
b) what kind of music in worship, c) what Bible translation to use
e) what youth program to use and f) what literature to use.
I know the Scripture gives principles, but it doesn't come right out and say what kind of music (Southern Gospel), which version (KJV) or what programs or literature to use. We must, therefore, make sure by study we know EXACTLY what the Bible does teach. If we don't study enough, we will not learn what God actually wants. We will become either too liberal or too legalistic. We must know the truth of God's Word, and then stand firm on it without wavering. This is difficult, especially when it means you will be attacked from both the legalists and the liberals.
Great post!
James Charles, Who had the post about the 400 silent years?
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I recently came under fire for leading a young college age church member, who got pregnant outside of wedlock, to make it right and come before the church.
ReplyDeleteShe did the right thing and God has blessed. He always does when you do the right thing!
The fire came from another church member who said, "how dare you make her do that!"
The church as a whole has loved her and forgiven (the pregnant lady) and embraced her and helped her, because she did the right thing!
Lord help us to never be morally relative!
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ReplyDelete