Truth, Love and the False Value of Relativity
Growing up, I was told to never discuss politics or religion with someone I had no relationship with; and even if I did have a relationship with said person, to tread carefully. In many ways, this was wise advice. Both realms, reflect our core beliefs and values (or perceptions) about what we believe is right and wrong or at least why the other person is wrong.
I also know from my own experience, when someone’s worldview (values) is challenged, it can be very unsettling; very unsettling. It’s like calling them stupid, even if they’re acting their fool. No one likes being called stupid or even being with stupid (t-shirt optional).
This advice was useful growing-up because disagreements between policy and principles would happen in real-time, with real people in an actual physical space. Body language, tone and inflection were pure and present.
Because words can have consequences you would choose them carefully, particularly if size and strength was significant between parties. Words might not hurt you, but a knuckle sandwich always will. Bam.
My world growing-up wasn’t virtual but physical. That cyberworld only existed in the imagination of writers and futurists. Fast forward.
While video streaming can somewhat compensate for body language, tone and inflection, it’s still not the same as being in the same room together. Particularly if your internet speed and connection is less than optimal. Particularly, if you’re discussing politics or religion or values.
Already stifled, by the limitations of technology. This same technology is then manipulated by entities that seek division and discord. Using algorithms, bots and censorship to malign and marginalize people who hold contrarian views. Hiding behind a corporate keyboard or a corrupt government agency because in “real-life” you know there’s always a possibility of knuckle sandwich.
This is our world. A world lacking authenticity, transparency and curiosity. A world in which we continue to blur the edges of humanity and technology; physical and virtual reality.
A world that’s already manipulated when talking about politics or religion. A world that desperately needs to talk about values. A world that needs open and sincere dialogue before we harm earth and each other further.
Like politics and religion, values are now considered personal preferences. Individual choices that are only about me and what I feel or desire. My core beliefs about right and wrong are no longer connected to anyone else in the physical world, because only my world is what matters. A modern story with an ancient theme.
What’s considered right or wrong is determined solely by me and for me; it’s all about me. Everything is relative, because nothing is in relationship. Everything lives and exists in isolation from one another.
The world is broken because humans, and all of creation, are called to be in relation. In right relation with one another and God. We were never designed as a solo act.
The problem with an ethic of relativity is that really bad things become normalized, anything goes. There is no right or wrong. Every person or entity determines what is good or wicked and its almost always tied up in our own self-interest.
The powerful can abuse, the corrupt can exploit and strong can and will always dominant those who are the most vulnerable and that’s alright if you’re a relativist. This is further exacerbated when we use technology to enforce this flawed ethic. A world view in which humans believe they are god, a digital tower of babel.
Even when we try and have conversations about values, they are often politicized, polarizing and pretentious. Genuine conversation and dialogue begins with humility, humbleness and honesty. Attributes in direct conflict with what the world “sells” us; division, distraction and disorientation. Trying to convince you that you’re an island onto yourself.
But living a Love centered life means we’re obligated to have dialogue and even debate about values. Love is always about speaking truth, and Truth and Love cannot be separated. Not everything is relative.
Peace. God loves you.