Moral Relativism, Part One: "What is It?"

We begin today with a three-part reflection on the topic of moral relativism:  (1) what it is; (2) how if affects the Church; and (3) a consideration of a specific case in point.

Over the past half century, slowly and steadily, a pernicious philosophy has developed and become more and more pervasive in the societies of Western Civilization, especially in Europe and North America.

It is the philosophy of moral relativism.

Cultures which were previously influenced and governed by a "Judeo-Christian" view of morality have fallen prey to the view that right and wrong are not absolutes, but are free to be determined by each individual.  Morality and ethics apply and are alterable from one situation, person or situation to the next.  Fundamentally, moral relativism holds that anything is permissible because life is without meaning or purpose.

More specifically, moral relativism is the view that ethical standards, morality, and positions of right or wrong are culturally based and therefore subject to a person's individual choice.

People can decide and choose what is right for themselves. You decide what's right for you, and I'll decide what's right for me. Moral relativism says, "It's true for me, if I believe it."

Moral relativism is the antithesis of a moral system founded upon the natural law, which hold that there are indeed moral absolutely determined according to the very nature of the act or choice in question.  Moral relativism, on the other hand, holds that words like "ought" and "should" are rendered meaningless. In this way, moral relativism makes the claim that it is morally neutral.  However, in reality, moral relativism is amoral in and of itself.

Natural law morality still lies at the basis of many of our institutions, allowing them to provide for the common good and welfare of the societies which still advance its principles.  Yet, more and more, moral relativism has overtaken the popular culture which has become increasingly resistant to accepted standards of social and ethical behavior.

The symptoms of the moral decay which relativism causes can be witnessed in modern re-definitions of sexuality, gender, marriage, family, citizenship, civil rights, justice, law and order.

Moral relativism has only one terminus:  anarchy. If there are no absolutes, then moral license rules the day.  We are thrown back into the jungle, where only the fittest, the loudest, the strongest survive.  Western civilization crumbles before the onslaught of licentiousness and permissiveness.  At its heart and soul, moral relativism must deny the existence of God Himself, and His Wisdom and Will that mankind use the natural order of Creation for humanity's benefit and fulfillment.  Moral relativism is the godless denial of such truth.

Politically, the consequences of moral relativism are clear and convincing.  Even our forefathers were able to deduce the dangers of such godlessness, long before the trend became fashionable and acceptable.

In his September 19, 1796 Farewell Address to the nation, George Washington stated: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great Pillars."

William McGuffey, author of the McGuffey's Readers, which were the mainstay of America's public school system from 1836 till the 1920's, wrote: "Erase all thought and fear of God from a community, and selfishness and sensuality would absorb the whole man."

Yet, as terrible as the effects of such an amoral philosophy has upon our political institutions, the effect upon religion itself is even more devastating.

For, once moral relativism invades religious institutions, the moral teachings of those communities begins to become muddled and, oftentimes, self-contradictory.  When that happens, faithful members become confused and misguided.  Ultimately, they experience scandal and, with it, an accompanying loss of their faith.

In the next part of our reflection of moral relativism, we shall consider how this amoral philosophy has crept into the moral teachings of the Church and the effects which this had upon the Catholic faithful and its influence upon the religious, political and social institutions of our time.