Page 11 - Christ and Culture Textbook

Study Section 2: Culture and the Truth.

2.1 Connect

Who defines what is right or wrong? The most widely held moral view in our culture is called
relativism. Relativism holds that societies and/or individuals decide what is right and wrong and
that those values vary from culture to culture or person to person. There is no objective,
universal moral truths—just conventions for behavior that are created by people for people and
that are subject to change. Relativism is the rejection of any absolute standard of truth and
morality. Cultural relativism says that because each culture is holding to its own view of
morality, and because these views differ, there must be no objective morality.
Are there decent standards for Christians? What is the decent standard of the Christian?

2.2 Objectives

1. The student should be able to explain the ways a believer can defend the truth from the truth
rejecting Culture.

2. The student should be able to describe the Christian presuppositions and practices that are
godly.

3. The student should be able to explain the biblical basis for what is right and wrong.

2.3 Who Determines What Is Morally Right and Morally Wrong?

There is moral confusion in our culture and it’s difficult to figure out what people should
actually believe. No matter where you go, this problem will arise. Doesn’t everyone have the
right to determine what is right and wrong for himself or herself? Isn’t everything relative to
the individual? Who would have thought that a belief in absolute truth would be under attack
in our day and age? Today, many people are embracing the lies of Devil. Man cannot
determine right or wrong without God. Truth is from God and He is the only one who
determines or defines it. Then who determines right and wrong? God does. The moral lawgiver
determines the moral laws, and they are written in his Word (Exod. 20) and on our hearts (Rom. 2:12–
15). Therefore, we are obligated to obey such moral laws.

If we are interested in truth outside ourselves, then we must look to God. "I am the truth"
For the Christian, the ultimate expression of truth is found in the Bible, in Jesus who said, "I am the way,
the truth, and the life..." (John 14:6). Of course, most truth-seekers and disbelievers will dismiss His
claim, but for the Christian, He is the backbone of hope, security, and guidance. But we’ve seen this
dismissal of truth before. Centuries ago, Jesus confronted Pilate by saying, “You say that I am a king. In
fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of
truth listens to me” (John 18:37). But despite the irresistible proof of Christ’s innocence, and his
undeniable claim to be God, Pilate responded dismissively, “What is truth?” (John 18:38) Pilate did not
discover the truth, but he rejected it to appease the Jews and maintain his status with the emperor. But
what Pilate failed to realize is that truth is of the highest importance, for without it, we know nothing.
What you believe about Jesus will shape the way you live.

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