What is Ethical Relativism?
Most people have, at some point, heard a phrase such as, ‘What’s true for me, may not be true
for you.’ Or, ‘Not all people in all places have the same moral standards at all times.’ This way of
thinking, that what is morally right or wrong fluctuates from person to person, country to
country, or culture to culture, is known as ethical relativism.
Western culture has been infused with whispers of ethical relativism for numerous decades past.
Though it may have begun as a slow burn, in just the most recent decade, it has been rapidly
gaining ground. More and more, society as a whole has been flaunting the notion of ‘being true
to yourself’ and making sure no one discourages or stops you from becoming exactly who, or
what, you were always meant to be. It resembles what Oprah has lately been in the spotlight for
—speaking ‘your truth’. “What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful
tool we all have.”1 Though her words were spoken mainly in regards to the prevalent #MeToo
campaign, they echo the ever-growing idea, especially in Western society, that truth is relative.
Why I believe Ethical Relativism is False
Unlike moral subjectivism and cultural relativism, ethics, when viewed through a Biblical
worldview, deals in absolutes. If truth and morality are actually ‘up for interpretation’ according
to the whims of individuals and varying social groups, as ethical relativism maintains, then who
can declare that murder is wrong? Why is racism considered so heinous if one social group has
determined it is perfectly acceptable according to their moral viewpoint? This would mean, for
example, any society who deems stealing as a customary norm, would then be guilty of immoral
activity should they one day decide to instead forgo the thievery for actual buying of
merchandise. “In short, if relativism is true, then the concept of moral progress is vacuous.”2
Depending merely on an individual’s or culture’s sense of morality, is akin to relying solely on
sight and touch to determine the damage done when a person suffers a broken bone. X-rays,
along with a medical doctor’s professional expertise, are a more reliable and precise way to
ascertain the extent, and consequential healing, of the injury. Viewed via the X-ray vision of
God’s Word, with the professional expertise of God as Healer, ethical issues, too, can be
addressed more precisely and reliably. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than
any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it
judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”3 Subjective human whimsy and ever-changing
societal norms are not a trustworthy way to attempt intellectual growth, individual depth, and
moral progress. But God deals in absolutes.
Ethical relativism brings to light the fact that different cultures have diverse moral standards
which impact societal beliefs on a deeply profound level. Knowing this should encourage
Christians to closely examine our own beliefs to better understand why we believe what we
1 Oprah Winfrey, “Oprah Winfrey’s Golden Globes Speech”, ABC13.com, January 8, 2018,
http://abc13.com/entertainment/see-the-full-transcript-of-oprahs-globes-speech/2912464/
2 Michael S. Jones, Moral Reasoning: An Intentional Approach to Distinguishing Right from Wrong, (Dubuque,
IA: Kendall Hunt, 2017), 26.
3 Heb 4:12 (NIV)
believe. That we may “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give
the reason for the hope that you have.”4
4 2 Pet. 3:15b (NIV)
