Moral Relativism: A Threat to Our Spiritual Zeal

In 1985 Dr. Robert Bellah, an American sociologist, co-authored a book entitled Habits of the Heart. In one chapter he discusses the cultural shift in religious beliefs.

In chapter 9, he shares the story of a young nurse, Sheila Larson who said, “I believe in God. {But} I’m not a religious fanatic.”

“I can’t remember the last time I went to church,” Shelia continued. “My faith has carried me a long way. It’s Sheilaism. Just my own little voice … “

Bellah popularized the term “Sheilaism” which has its own Wikipedia page. Today, “Sheilaism” is better known as Moral Relativism, which says there is no such thing as absolute truth. Morality is defined by each individual. A recent poll found 58% of American adults agreed that each person decides what is right and wrong for themselves.

Moral Relativism says, “What is right and wrong for you, may not be right or wrong for me.” Thus, we hear people talk about “my truth.” When someone disagrees they retort, “Well, that’s your truth. But it’s not my truth.”

As the title states, moral relativism is a threat to our spiritual zeal. Here’s three reasons why,.

#1 Moral Relativism Undermines Divine authority.

The Bible teaches there is absolute truth, and a clear standard for right and wrong. Jesus said, “You shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free” (Jn. 8:32). Later Jesus prayed to Father saying, “Sanctify them through your Truth. Your Word is Truth (Jn. 17:17).

Morals and ethics, right and wrong, good and evil can be clearly defined both in the moral code of the 10 commandments, the teaching of Jesus, and the New Testament letters. Eight hundred years before Christ, the prophet Isaiah warned against blurring the lines of moral truth.

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!
(Isa. 5:20-21

A rejection of God’s standard and the acceptance of moral relativism weakens the conscience, erodes confidence in God’s Word and ultimately extinguishes true spiritual passion.

#2 Moral Relativism Diminishes the Urgency and Importance of Holy Living.

If morals and ethics are reduced to a personal choice, the motivation to live “soberly, righteously and godly,” as defined by Scripture is at the best minimized, and at the worst totally rejected. How can one be on fire for God’s righteousness, when they’re pursuing their own standard of righteousness?

Relativism redefines right and wrong, excuses sin, and in fact, as we’ve seen in recent days, celebrates deviant behavior. While many Christians may not sink to this level of living, it’s easy to become more tolerant and acceptingof lifestyles when relativism creeps into our thinking.

#3 Moral Relativism Compromises our Evangelistic Outreach.

As one writer expressed it, “Evangelism is rooted in the conviction that people need saving truth—that Jesus is the only way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). If every belief, religious practice, and doctrinal teaching is viewed as “relative,” what incentive is there to evangelize? The zeal for soul winning becomes dampened. Truth becomes less clear. Boldness for sharing the gospel is silenced by a fear of rejection, offense, and ridicule. Passions is replaced by passivity.

While there are no doubt many other serious implications of moral relativism that threatens our spiritual fervor, these remind of the importance for standing against the wiles of the devil and the philosophy of our world.

To keep the fire of zeal burning and shining as a light in the world, we must reject “Sheilaism” Instead of listening to our own little voice, let us hear and heed the voice of God.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman