Relativism

Relativism: a Constant Controversy

The world and those who inhabit it are constantly changing and humans are constantly finding different ways to adjust to those drastic transformations. For hundreds and thousands of years society has relied on religious institutions for support and guidance; however in more recent decades, society’s involvement with religion has become increasingly more distant and, as a result, more secular, modern methods of philosophy and guidance have become apparent. Relativism, in particular, is one of the more infamous methods. The of terms relativism clearly state that no one culture or group should be judged based on their moral beliefs, and that there are no universal moral values shared among the differing cultural societies around the world. This ideology has spread like wildfire throughout Western civilizations [who focus greatly on academic studies, especially mathematics and science] and, therefore, has become recognized by the church. As more people become absorbed by the teachings of relativism, there is significantly less involvement in the already degraded church. Panic has arisen in Christian leaders and officials as a result of the current state of the once thriving institution, and many have given public speeches and published articles and books in an attempt to regain their followers. Joseph Ratzinger, also known as Pope Benedict XVI has addressed this growing dilemma in his homilies and presented various arguments rejecting the practice of relativism. There is one quote [containing these arguments] spoken by Pope Benedict which I will analyze and evaluate in this essay. This is a quote that I believe to be correct for a number of reasons, which are supported by social observations and ethical studies. Pope Benedict XVI’s argument regarding the impracticality of relativism is essentially correct because society would not be able to function under relativism and the philosophy is impracticable.

Joseph Ratzinger, also...