Articles
The Antidote to Subjectivism
To say this is a confusing time is to understate the problem. It appears the world has gone wild. We do not know what marriage means anymore. We cannot define what it means to be a woman. The meanings of these terms are older than the concept of up and down. Why are these concepts challenged? It is the result of subjectivism. "Subjectivism is a philosophical position that holds that knowledge, truth, and morality are based on individual subjectivity, rather than objective reality. It asserts that personal feelings, experiences, and perspectives shape one's understanding of the world, leading to varying interpretations and truths for different individuals." (ChatGPT) Since truth is judged to be based upon personal feelings and experiences, it is considered a personal attack to question anyone's definition of truth.
Subjectivism may be fun in the classroom, but it makes life difficult. Increasing secularism in society leaves everyone feeling unmoored. People have no objective standard of reality and, thus, no set of values to make moral judgments of right and wrong. In the absence of an absolute standard, who determines what is right and wrong? At this point, it feels as though whoever can whip up the crowd decides what is right and wrong. It is like being tied to the tail of a happy dog. We are whipsawed as different ideologies ascend and fall. In the past, when people felt things were out of control, it led to the ascent of a strong man to restore order. In post-Communist Russia, people longed for the return of a Stalin-like leader. In France, the Jacobins led to Napoleon. In post-World War I Germany, Hitler. History reveals people will not abide chaos.
Western society operated for nearly 2,000 years, asserting that truth originates with God. God set the standard of right and wrong. Subjectivism must do away with the arbiter of standards to change them. The Psalmist asserts, “The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” (Psalm 14:1 ESV) Subjectivists are secular false prophets. Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?” (Matt. 7:15-16 ESV) Those who deny God and His standards bear fruit. We see the fruit of subjectivists in the downward spiral of society. What can a Christian do?
God said, “You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice” (Exod. 23:2 ESV). This warning is sufficient for the Christian not to fall in with a crowd to appoint a strong man to "fix" society. We must realize only one thing will fix society: a change of heart. Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 ESV) Christians should anchor their values in the gospel.
It is disconcerting to see our nation devolve into chaos. If you want to do your part to stop it, share Jesus' teaching with your neighbor: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever."
