The Danger of Losing Our Moral Compass

The Permanent Things: Reflections on Tradition, Culture, and the Good Society

Introduction

We live in a time when the very idea of objective truth is under constant assault. I was reminded of this recently in a conversation with my friend, Augustus Merriweather, as we reflected on how far society has drifted from any shared moral foundation. We agreed that this shift - one marked by the rise of moral relativism - poses a serious threat to the health and stability of our culture.

Moral relativism, in its simplest form, is the belief that there are no objective truths when it comes to morality - that what is right or wrong depends on the individual or the society in which one lives. According to this view, morality is subjective, fluid, and determined by personal feelings, social context, or cultural norms. In many circles today, it’s seen as enlightened and tolerant to assert that everyone can simply define their own version of truth and morality. But is this really a path toward a just and flourishing society?

The Consequences of Subjective Morality

At first glance, moral relativism might seem like a path to harmony. After all, if everyone is allowed to determine their own moral code, wouldn’t that eliminate conflict? But, as history and common sense both show us, a society that abandons objective standards of right and wrong quickly finds itself in moral chaos.

The Bible warns us of this in stark terms: “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). This was not a commendation of moral diversity, but an indictment of a people who had lost their way. When moral relativism reigns, we are left without a shared moral compass, and this leads to confusion, division, and ultimately, societal decay.

Consider, for a moment, what happens when we try to apply the relativistic mindset to law and justice. If moral truths are up for grabs, then on what basis do we condemn things like theft, fraud, or even violence? One person’s act of theft may be justified in their own eyes, but does that mean it’s any less wrong for the person who’s been stolen from? Without an agreed-upon standard of morality, society descends into moral anarchy, where might makes right, and the rule of law is replaced by the rule of personal preference.

Edmund Burke, a thinker whose wisdom remains ever relevant, warned us that society’s very fabric is held together by shared moral principles that stand the test of time. When we abandon those principles in favor of moral relativism, we risk tearing apart the social contract that allows individuals to live together in peace.

Why Tradition and Transcendent Truths Matter

As a devoted student of both Christian and classical traditions, I find it impossible to ignore the wealth of wisdom our ancestors have passed down to us. From the teachings of ancient philosophers like Socrates and Cicero, to the biblical moral framework, there has always been an acknowledgment that truth exists outside of individual whims. Moral truths are not invented; they are discovered. They are grounded in something far greater than ourselves - something eternal and transcendent.

C.S. Lewis speaks eloquently about this in The Abolition of Man, warning that the rejection of universal values - the “Tao,” as he calls it - leads to the “abolition” of humanity itself. If we declare that there are no fixed standards of good and evil, then all that remains is power, manipulation, and control.

As Christians, we know that moral truth is rooted in the character of God. His commands are not arbitrary rules designed to limit our freedom; they are the path to true human flourishing. In the words of the psalmist, “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul” (Psalm 19:7). When we build our lives and our society on these timeless truths, we lay a foundation that can weather any storm.

A Subtle Tyranny

What is especially troubling about today’s moral relativism is that it often masquerades as freedom. We are told that to embrace relativism is to embrace tolerance and inclusivity. But if we look closely, we see that moral relativism frequently leads to the very opposite - intolerance and exclusion.

When morality becomes subjective, those who hold traditional or religious beliefs are often labeled as backward, intolerant, or even hateful. The irony, of course, is that in the name of tolerance, society becomes less tolerant of those who maintain objective moral standards. This is a subtle form of tyranny - one where the moral relativists demand that everyone accept their rejection of moral absolutes, while any dissent is silenced or shamed.

Liberty depends on the rule of law - laws that are rooted in objective, time-tested truths. When we reject such truths in favor of subjective morality, we open the door to a kind of moral dictatorship, where those in power get to decide what is right and wrong, and dissenters are cast aside.

Upholding Truth in a Relativistic Age

1. As Christians, we must resist the pressure to conform to the shifting sands of cultural morality. Be unapologetic in standing for the truth as revealed in Scripture. It is not intolerant to hold firm to what is good, true, and beautiful. It is, in fact, an act of love for our neighbors.

2. Whether in your family, church, or community, take the time to teach the next generation about the importance of objective moral standards. Help them see that true freedom is found not in casting off all restraints, but in living within the boundaries of God’s perfect law.

3. When we encounter moral relativism in our culture - whether in conversations with friends, at work, or in the media - engage thoughtfully and respectfully. Remember, as Charles Spurgeon reminds us, “Truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself.”

In Closing

The rise of moral relativism in our culture is not something we should take lightly. It undermines the very foundations of a healthy, just society, and it leaves us adrift in a sea of competing personal preferences. But we are not without hope. By grounding ourselves in the truth of God’s Word and the wisdom of tradition, we can resist this dangerous trend and help restore the moral fabric of our communities.

Thank you for taking the time to consider these reflections. If this resonates with you, I encourage you to share it with others and subscribe for future posts. More of my Perspectives can be found at Walking Points. Let’s continue to stand for truth together, in love and in grace.

In Christ, 
Russell F. Scruton 

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