GROW IN FAITH: YOUTH – Relativism and Moral Truth

Is Right and Wrong Just Opinion?

Opening Prayer

Lord,
You are Truth and Goodness.
Guard my mind from confusion
and my conscience from distortion.
Help me recognise what is truly right
and live according to it.
Amen.

Part One

The Claim of Relativism

In contemporary culture, it is common to hear:

“Everyone has their own truth.”
“Right and wrong depend on perspective.”
“You should not judge.”
“Morality changes with society.”

This view is called relativism.

Relativism claims that moral truth is not objective.
It depends on the individual or the culture.

At first, this can sound tolerant and peaceful.

It appears to reduce conflict.

But it raises serious questions.

If moral truth depends on opinion:

Can any action be universally wrong?

Can injustice be condemned absolutely?

Can human rights be defended objectively?

If morality is only preference,
then there is no firm ground to stand on.

Pause and Reflect

Have I absorbed the idea that morality is personal?

Do I hesitate to say something is wrong for fear of appearing intolerant?

Part Two

The Logical Problem

Consider the statement:

“There is no objective moral truth.”

Is that statement objectively true?

If it is objectively true,
then at least one objective moral truth exists —
which contradicts the claim.

If it is not objectively true,
then it does not bind anyone.

Relativism weakens itself.

Further:

We instinctively recognise that certain actions are wrong:

Torture of the innocent.
Deliberate betrayal.
Exploitation of the weak.

We do not merely dislike these things.

We judge them.

Judgement implies a standard.

If there is no standard beyond personal opinion,
then moral outrage loses foundation.

Relativism cannot explain why some acts deserve universal condemnation.

Consider

If morality changes with culture,
was slavery ever truly wrong?

If a society approves injustice,
does that make it just?

Part Three

The Appeal of Relativism

Relativism remains attractive for several reasons.

It reduces tension.
It removes moral pressure.
It avoids accountability.

If morality is personal:

No one can challenge my choices.
No one can claim authority.
No action is binding beyond preference.

But freedom without moral structure
does not produce peace.

It produces confusion.

Without objective truth:

Law becomes negotiation.

Justice becomes power.

Conscience becomes isolated.

The Church teaches that moral truth reflects reality.

Just as physical laws are not invented,
moral laws are not invented.

They correspond to human nature.

Reflect Honestly

Do I resist moral truth because it limits me?

Have I confused disagreement with intolerance?

Part Four

Moral Truth and Human Dignity

If the human person has objective dignity,
then moral truth must exist.

Human rights depend on moral realism.

If dignity is not real,
rights are fragile.

If morality is invented,
it can be redefined.

The Church teaches that moral truth is grounded in:

The nature of the human person.

The design of creation.

The authority of God.

This does not mean every moral question is simple.

It means that truth exists
even when difficult to discern.

Conscience must align with reality.

It cannot create it.

Quiet Reflection

Sit quietly.

Ask yourself:

Do I believe some actions are always wrong?

If so, what grounds that belief?

Am I willing to follow moral truth
even when it is unpopular?

Remain in silence.

Part Five

Courage and Clarity

Rejecting relativism does not mean becoming harsh.

It means being anchored.

It allows:

Consistent reasoning.

Protection of the vulnerable.

Serious moral responsibility.

The Church does not teach moral truth to control.

She teaches it to protect dignity and guide freedom.

Truth may create disagreement.

But without truth,
there is no justice.

Moral clarity requires courage.

Not aggression.

Not pride.

But steadiness.

This Week

Choose one:

• Identify one moral belief you hold and ask why it is true.
• Notice when you hear “everyone has their own truth” and examine the claim.
• Read Romans 2 carefully.
• Pray simply: “Lord, strengthen my conscience in truth.”

Closing Prayer

Lord,
You are the source of all goodness.
Guard me from confusion.
Strengthen my mind to recognise truth
and my will to follow it.
Keep me faithful and steady
in a culture of shifting opinions.
Amen.