Morals are the principles which serve to define what is good or bad and what is wrong or right, while relativism is the belief that all points of view are equally valid and there is no right or wrong opinion. Moral relativism is the philosophical belief that values are subjective, and that there is no belief that is better than the other.
Pope Francis’ concern on moral relativism is valid, which is not to say that it is without fault. He says; ‘There cannot be true peace if everyone is his own criterion, if everyone can always claim exclusively his own rights, without at the same time caring for the good of others, of everyone, on the basis of the nature that unites every human being on this earth.” Moral relativists believe there is no sin, because every action is looked at from a personal point of view, making sin relative (Beauchamp, 1982). This then brings the danger of immorality because there are no set standards that dictate how things should be done (Rachels, 1989). As a result everyone begins to do things that they think are right for them and not considering other people.
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Moral relativism reduces what is supposed to be societal customs, values and laws only to a matter of personal tastes and preferences. The resulting society lacks ethics and as a result there cannot be true peace (Rachels, 1989). This means that is someone prefers killing for money, and thinks it’s okay then he goes ahead and does it.
In societies that embrace moral relativism, every member only looks out for their own interests and they don’t care what happens to other members. These societies lack ethics and ignore biblical values, harming others and sinning is seen as good or bad depending on personal opinion.
Morality and ethics form an important aspect of any society and should not be ignored. Moral relativism destroys a society’s conscience and as a result, the society has to condone all behaviors and sins no matter the consequences or how many people’s rights are violated.
References
Rachels, J. (1989). A Critique of Ethical Relativism in Philosophy. New York: Random House.
Beauchamp, T. (1982). Philosophical Ethics; An Introduction to Moral Philosophy. New York: Mc Graw-Hill.
