02/01/2021  

Words from Pastor Scott A. Solis, Ref. Bible- Gen 3 NKJV, Jn 10:10, Acts 17, Eph 4, 2 Tim 3

Relativism is a philosophy that is taught in our society as a way to answer life’s most difficult questions. (Who Am I? Why do I exist? What’s my identity? Etc...). Relativism is the doctrine that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context, and are not absolute. For years now, this philosophy has taken precedence in the arena of thought and continues to subliminally indoctrinate our culture. “A Boundary-less society will lead itself to destruction”….. Today as we look out on the landscape of our society it is observable that relativism has ingrained itself into the fabric of our nation, world, and in some cases “Christian” circles. When it is okay to violently disregard the property and valuables of another individual or group of individuals or to violently attack someone’s life in the name of justice we have become a society devoid of a moral compass (If I believe its a righteous cause, it’s okay “Relativism”). What is more, when it is okay to decide if a human being should live or die after conception, let alone after 6 months (laws put in place by a state if the child is not viable or mother is at risk, not specifically defined), we have reached a time of great concern. Furthermore, when the meaning of gender cannot be defined by one man or woman whereas we get to determine our own way in this regard, we have become a boundary-less society (where does it end). Each of these examples gives us distinct insight into the teaching of relativism. The reality of our society is we (as in the majority) have knowingly and unknowingly accepted this as truth. We (as in society) are in a dangerous place!

In fact, the Apostle Paul warned us of what was and what was to come. “But you need to be aware that in the final days the culture of society will become extremely fierce and difficult for the people of God. People will be self-centered lovers of themselves and obsessed with money. They will boast of great things as they strut around in their arrogant pride and mock all that is right. They will ignore their own families. They will be ungrateful and ungodly. They will become addicted to hateful and malicious slander. Slaves to their desires, they will be ferocious, belligerent haters of what is good and right. With brutal treachery, they will act without restraint, bigoted and wrapped in clouds of their conceit. They will find their delight in the pleasures of this world more than the pleasures of the loving God”2 Tim.3:2-4TPT. This is the dangers of a boundary-less society and why the belief in absolute truth is vitally important. The bible teaches us that Christ gave the apostles, evangelist, teachers, and preachers to equip the saints so that “we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Eph. 4:11-14 NIV. Jesus declared “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, declaring absolutism and this is echoed throughout the New Testament of the Bible.

For example, as Paul was on his second missionary journey, he arrived in Athens awaiting the arrival of Timothy and Silas. Paul was grieved over what he saw (Idol worship of every kind); his spirit was troubled for the people in need of salvation. Notice, Paul didn’t chastise the people for living in sin, he had compassion for them. For this purpose, he began reasoning with them in the synagogue (Jewish place of worship) and in the marketplace…….. every day! Paul was then brought to Areopagus (Mars Hill), a meeting place for those in charge of investigating spiritual and philosophical ideas. At that point, he began to speak about the idol worship that existed in the city and pointed to one labeled “unknown god” saying “to this unknown god, I proclaim to you!”

“The true God is the Creator of all things. He is the owner and Lord of the heavenly realm and the earthly realm, and he doesn’t live in man-made temples. He supplies life and breath and all things to every living being. He doesn’t lack a thing that we mortals could supply for him, for he has all things and everything he needs. From one man, Adam, he made every man and woman and every race of humanity, and he spread us over all the earth. He sets the boundaries of people and nations, determining their appointed times in history. He has done this so that every person would long for God, feel their way to him, and find him—for he is the God who is easy to discover! It is through him that we live and function and have our identity; just as your own poets have said, ‘Our lineage comes from him.“Acts 17:24-28.

Without a doubt, Paul gives no possibility of a boundary-less way of thinking. As diplomatic as possible, he never waivers in his stance of the absoluteness of God almighty. When philosophy (way of thinking) teaches us to decide our own truth based on whatever we feel is truth (relativism) or worship an unknown god (impossible) we become our own god in the process. As a result of this, our thinking becomes futile, empty, void of substance, and never satisfying to the soul. That being the case, our culture becomes more and more dependent on temporal substances that result in the same cycles of emptiness. “A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy” Jn 10:10. Steal your joy and your peace. Slaughter your value and self-worth. As well as destroy God’s image on your life. “But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect—life in its fullness until you overflow” Jn 10:10. A peace that passes all understanding! A life full of value, meaning, and purpose! The restoration of His image on your life for all eternity. “To be or not to be? That is the question”. When Shakespeare coined this phrase, it meant, to live or not to live. To have life or be devoid of it? Relativism takes you in circles of emptiness, however, Jesus gives you continual life in abundance.

To conclude, the philosophy of relativism has always been a part of our world. Lucifer had it in Heaven when He desired to be more than what God had created him to be (an angelic worship leader in heaven). The same spirit approached Eve in the garden enticing her to eat from the only tree God directed her not to. Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God.” Gen 3 NKJV.  The dangers of this philosophy are immense,  disintegrating to the soul;  relativism doesn't approach you as a dangerous thought, it gradually removes foundational truths that are meant to be a hedge of  protection for your soul.  But you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Jesus ……. The Way, The Truth, The Life!