Who Am I to Judge?

1. Relativism Undermines Objective Truth

Today, having a clear faith based on the Creed of the Church is often labeled as fundamentalism whereas relativism seems the only attitude that is acceptable in modern times.

The rise of relativism. Moral relativism, the idea that truth is subjective and that each individual determines what is right or wrong, has become increasingly prevalent in modern society. This viewpoint challenges the existence of objective moral standards that apply to everyone, leading to a culture where tolerance is often prioritized over truth. This shift marginalizes those who hold traditional moral convictions, labeling them as judgmental or intolerant.

The dangers of subjectivism. Relativism's core tenet—that there is no absolute truth—creates a slippery slope where anything becomes morally justifiable. Without a shared moral framework, society struggles to address fundamental issues, and individuals are left adrift, compromising their values and making choices that lead to personal and societal decay. The absence of objective truth erodes the foundation of meaningful dialogue and ethical decision-making.

The need for moral clarity. To counter the influence of relativism, it is essential to reassert the existence of objective moral truth. This involves engaging in thoughtful discussions, presenting compelling arguments, and living lives that reflect the beauty and coherence of a classical moral worldview. By demonstrating the positive impact of moral truth on individuals and communities, we can challenge the relativistic mindset and offer a more fulfilling vision for life.

2. Happiness is Rooted in Virtue and Relationships

Man...cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of himself.

The funeral exercise. Reflecting on how one wishes to be remembered at their funeral reveals that true happiness lies not in wealth, power, or fame, but in noble qualities and meaningful relationships. People desire to be remembered as kind, generous, and loving individuals who made a positive impact on the lives of others. This exercise highlights the importance of prioritizing virtue and relationships in the pursuit of a fulfilling life.

Ethics as character. The classical view of ethics, rooted in the Greek word "ethikos," emphasizes the importance of character development over isolated ethical moments. Ethics is not merely about following rules or making the right choices in specific situations, but about cultivating a virtuous disposition that shapes one's entire life. This perspective shifts the focus from "What should I do?" to "Who do I want to become?"

Telos and the good life. Understanding one's "telos," or purpose, is crucial for achieving a happy and flourishing life. The funeral exercise reveals that our telos involves living our relationships well, which requires cultivating virtues such as honesty, loyalty, generosity, and love. By striving to become the best version of ourselves and living in accordance with our telos, we can experience true joy and fulfillment.

3. True Freedom Lies in Self-Mastery for Love

Freedom exists for the sake of love.

Two views of freedom. The classical understanding of freedom emphasizes the ability to perform actions of high quality, requiring skill and self-mastery. In contrast, the modern notion of freedom equates it with the absence of external constraints, prioritizing the ability to choose between different options without regard for their moral implications. This modern view often leads to a self-centered pursuit of personal desires, neglecting responsibilities to others.

The paradox of freedom. The modern emphasis on "freedom from" often results in a form of slavery to one's own selfish desires. By constantly pursuing what we want, when we want, and how we want, we become less capable of making sacrifices for others and living a life of love. True freedom, on the other hand, is found in self-mastery, which enables us to give ourselves to others and experience the joy of authentic relationships.

It's a Wonderful Life. The film "It's a Wonderful Life" illustrates the true meaning of freedom through the character of George Bailey, who finds fulfillment in his commitment to his family and community. By choosing to live for something bigger than himself, George discovers the profound meaning of his life and the joy of self-giving love. This example challenges the modern notion of freedom as the absence of commitment and highlights the transformative power of living for others.

4. Moral Law is a Loving Guide, Not Arbitrary Rules

God, who alone is good, knows perfectly what is good for man, and by virtue of his very love proposes this good to man in the commandments.

The purpose of moral law. God's moral law is not a set of arbitrary rules designed to test obedience, but a loving guide that leads us to happiness and fulfillment. Like an instruction manual for life, the moral law provides insights into how we are designed to function and how we can live in harmony with our nature and purpose. By following the moral law, we align ourselves with God's plan and open ourselves to a life of love and joy.

The serpent's deception. The story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden illustrates how the devil attempts to distort our understanding of God's law. By questioning God's goodness and suggesting that the law is a restriction on freedom, the serpent undermines our trust in God's love and leads us to reject his guidance. This deception continues to influence our modern world, causing us to view the moral law as an obstacle to personal fulfillment.

Restoring trust in God's goodness. To counter the influence of relativism, it is essential to restore trust in God's goodness and to recognize that his moral law is an expression of his love for us. This involves understanding the "why" behind the law, recognizing its connection to our deepest desires, and embracing it as a pathway to authentic happiness. By viewing the moral law through the lens of love, we can overcome the relativistic mindset and embrace a life of purpose and joy.

5. Virtue Requires Grace, Practice, and Community

The virtues give us the freedom to love.

Virtue as skill. Virtue is not merely about doing what is right occasionally, but about developing a habitual and firm disposition to do good easily, consistently, and joyfully. Like a skill that requires practice and training, virtue enables us to love God and neighbor as if it were second nature. By cultivating virtues such as honesty, loyalty, patience, and generosity, we become more capable of living our relationships with excellence.

The relational nature of virtue. The virtues are not important merely for our own moral development, but for our ability to love God and the people he has placed in our lives. When we lack virtue in certain areas, those closest to us suffer the consequences. Therefore, cultivating virtue is an act of love that benefits both ourselves and those around us.

Growing in virtue. We can grow in virtue through learning, practice, and grace. Studying the lives of the saints, intentionally practicing virtuous behavior, and seeking God's grace through prayer and the sacraments are essential for cultivating a virtuous disposition. By immersing ourselves in the Christian tradition and relying on God's help, we can overcome our weaknesses and become more capable of living a life of love.

6. Mercy and Truth are Essential for Evangelization

Humanity is wounded, deeply wounded. Relativism wounds people.

The Church as a field hospital. Pope Francis envisions the Church as a field hospital, reaching out to those wounded by the relativistic culture with both truth and mercy. Many people today are struggling with broken relationships, addiction, and a lack of purpose, and they need to know that God loves them, forgives them, and wants to heal them. By leading with mercy, we can create a safe space for people to encounter the Gospel and experience the transformative power of God's love.

The heart of the Gospel. The heart of the Gospel is not simply a list of moral condemnations, but the story of Christ's saving love. It is essential to proclaim the good news of God's mercy and forgiveness before delving into more complex moral teachings. By focusing on the core message of love, we can create a foundation of trust and openness that allows people to receive the truth more readily.

Forgiveness and healing. God's mercy encompasses both forgiveness and healing. Jesus not only wants to pardon our sins, but also to transform our hearts and heal us of our wounds. By offering both forgiveness and healing, we can provide people with the hope and encouragement they need to turn toward Jesus and his moral truth.

7. Relativism Masks Deeper Personal Struggles

I realized last night that I’m not really a relativist. The only reason I’ve been trying to be one is that...I wanted to be able to say that premarital sex is okay for me.

Relativism as a rationalization. Moral relativism can often serve as a mask to cover up personal struggles with sin. People may embrace relativistic viewpoints as a way to justify their own immoral behavior and ease their conscience. By denying the existence of objective moral standards, they can avoid confronting their own weaknesses and avoid the need for change.

Cognitive dissonance. Human beings naturally seek consistency between their beliefs and actions. When there is a conflict between what we believe and what we do, we experience psychological discomfort. To resolve this dissonance, we may either change our behavior or change our beliefs. Relativism offers a convenient way to change our beliefs, allowing us to continue engaging in behaviors that we know are wrong.

Praying for the issue behind the issue. When engaging with relativistic friends, it is important to recognize that there may be deeper personal struggles at play. By praying for the "issue behind the issue," we can ask God to reveal the root causes of their relativistic viewpoints and to guide them toward healing and wholeness. This approach requires compassion, patience, and a willingness to listen and understand their experiences.

8. The Christian Vision Offers a Compelling Alternative

Today it is a matter of the greatest urgency to show a Christian model of life that offers a livable alternative to the increasingly vacuous entertainments of leisure-time society.

Relativism's emptiness. Relativism, while promoting tolerance, often leads to a life devoid of meaning and purpose. By denying the existence of objective truth and shared moral values, it leaves individuals adrift, struggling to find direction and fulfillment. This emptiness can manifest in various forms, including depression, addiction, and a constant pursuit of fleeting pleasures.

The Christian alternative. The Christian vision offers a compelling alternative to the emptiness of relativism. By embracing virtue, cultivating meaningful relationships, and living in accordance with God's moral law, we can experience true joy, purpose, and fulfillment. This vision challenges the self-centeredness of modern culture and invites us to live for something bigger than ourselves.

Living as a witness. To effectively counter the influence of relativism, we must live as witnesses to the transformative power of the Christian faith. This involves embodying the virtues, sharing our experiences of God's love and mercy, and inviting others to discover the beauty and coherence of the Christian worldview. By living lives that reflect the truth and love of Christ, we can offer a compelling alternative to the relativistic mindset and inspire others to seek a more fulfilling path.

Last updated: April 23, 2025