Cultural Relativism’s Threat to Biblical Truth

A significant majority of adults in America—64% according to the Barna Research Group—believe that truth is always relative to a person's situation ([47:51]). This widespread acceptance of relativism reflects a cultural shift where many individuals, including teenagers, determine what is true based on personal feelings or momentary comfort rather than an absolute standard.

This relativistic mindset leads to moral and ethical decisions grounded in subjective feelings rather than biblical truth. When personal “truth” conflicts with God’s truth, many choose to ignore or dismiss divine standards, believing their circumstances or emotions justify living according to their own desires. This approach exemplifies situational ethics, where right and wrong fluctuate depending on context instead of being anchored in unchanging divine principles.

Relativism poses a serious threat because it undermines the foundation of biblical truth. Truth is not subjective; it is absolute and unchanging, firmly rooted in God’s Word. Rejecting or tampering with God’s truth endangers salvation, family integrity, Christian witness, and spiritual growth. The cultural embrace of relativism makes it imperative for believers to know, live by, and protect the truth of Scripture.

Historical examples, such as the early church’s struggle against Gnosticism, demonstrate how false teachings distort the truth about Jesus and creation. Gnostic heresies denied the deity of Christ and twisted the nature of truth, battles that continue today in various forms, including some modern philosophies and religious systems like Scientology.

In the face of cultural pressure toward relativism, believers are called to stand firm in the unchanging truth of God’s Word. Jesus Christ remains the same yesterday, today, and forever ([01:07:29]), and only this truth has the power to truly set individuals free.

This article was written by an AI tool for churches, based on a sermon from Faith Baptist Church Artesia, one of 313 churches in Artesia, NM