RELATIVISM AND RESPECT

FOR GOD

ENLIGHTENMENT PHILOSOPHY Descartes – Locke – Kant - Mill Logical conclusion of the enlightenment

- Nietzsche - 19th Century German philosopher

Stated that there was no such thing as morality

Purpose of human life is will to power - to be in control – complete focus on self

Life is a struggle for power among humans

RELATIVISM Relativism - There is no universal moral

law that applies to everyoneThe Individual decides what is right in a

given situation. Christian morality – Applying moral law

(revelation and reason) to specific situations Individual tries to discern what is right in a

given situation, but may be wrong.

C.S. LEWIS – REPLY TO OBJECTIONS OF MORAL LAW Morality = Herd instinct

Moral law actually judges our instinctWhat we ought to do (Moral Law) when

desires conflictOften what we ought to do (Moral Law) goes

against our instinctsNo instinct is always good; right thing at the

right time is guided by Moral Law

C.S. LEWIS – REPLY TO OBJECTIONS OF MORAL LAW Morality = what we are taught/social

convention Just because we are taught something by

humans does not mean humans invented itSimilar moral themes in different culturesWe can judge other moral systemsFor example, if there were no moral law, we

could not judge the Nazi’s moral system.

REPLIES TO RELATIVISM Relativist when it benefits us.

We react when something is not fairRationalize our bad behavior

Negative reaction to immoral behavior - killing, cheating, lying

Need avoid extremes of being judgmental and overly tolerantWe don’t know the whole story, cannot

judge the personWe do know the consequences, can judge

the actions

HOMEWORK Read pages 81-86 Reflect on what you may put at the

center of your lives instead of God. Reflect on the St. Augustine quote –

“Idolatry is worshiping anything that ought to be used, or using anything that is meant to be worshipped.”

ERRORS IN JUDGMENT OF CONSCIOUS

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT “I am the Lord, your God; you shall not

have strange Gods before me.” Basis for all the commandments by

putting faith, hope, and love in God first and foremost.

Rooted in God, these theological virtues do not disappoint.  

Growth in faith, hope, and love through adoration, prayer, sacrificial living, and fulfilling baptismal promises

HIERARCHY OF GOODNESS Physical creation, Plant life, animal life,

people, God What is above and next to us should be

loved, never used. What is below should be used

(stewardship) and not loved

THE THIRD COMMANDMENT “Keep holy the Sabbath” Movement from Saturday to Sunday Prioritize your week – first day is God’s

daySeeking balance in lifeReminder of God’s saving powerSeek support of the communitySpiritual nourishment = Eucharist!Time for family and service

What might you do this weekend to observe the Sabbath more fully?

IDOLATRY TODAY “Idolatry is worshiping anything that

ought to be used, or using anything that is meant to be worshipped.” St. Augustine quote

THE SECOND COMMANDMENT “You shall not take the name of the Lord

your God in vain.” The holy name of God

Importance of namesRevelation of God’s name

Reverence for God, creation, and othersDo we use the gift of language to build up

or tear down? Keeping sacred commitments

“Only one who fully commits is truly free to live the full life God intends for us.”