For the last few days, I have been having a few conversations/debate/full blown arguments about a little thing called Moral Relativism. This is essentially the belief that culture, society, circumstance and personal opinion decide what is right or wrong for a person.
Me, I am more of a moral universalist. Being a Biblical Christian, I believe that God has clearly set forth standards that apply to each and every individual, regardless of their personal background, race, culture, gender, upbringing or what have you.
Some people will use the annoyingly post-modern phrase: Well, that's you're opinion. But you know, there are certain areas where the moral relativist has to either sacrifice their own conscience or admit to self contradiction and flaws in their belief.
Many moral relativists today will tell you that the Holocaust was a terrible thing. They may even go so far as to say it was wrong. But, how can they say that? They believe that right an wrong vary from culture to culture, society dictates what is right or wrong and societies differ around the world. We can't think to impose our "North American Opinions" on morality on another culture! That would just be intolerant! The Holocaust was not perpetrated by Hitler alone. He had the majority of Germany enshrouded in anti-semitic belief, and so according to society in Germany, the attempt at the genocide of the Jews was looked upon with favour! So, according to the moral relativists, the Nazis were justified in their actions. But many recoil at the mere thought of this, and deny this to be so. As such, they can no longer say that morality is relative, and they must admit that thre is a universal standard.
Once it is completed, I may post my upcoming project for my writer's craft course on here. I was assigned the task of creating a science fiction story (yay!) based on a philosophical idea. I decide to create a "what if...?" scenario. I am indebted to a friend of mine, a devoted moral relativist, for the idea. What if every country, nay, every person on earth was left to developp their own morality, and there was no checks, no balances, nothing to keep them from doing what is right in their own eyes? Sound familiar? Well, I should be done in a few weeks. So, you're just gonna have to keep checking back until its done!
Sincerely yours,
Adam
