Jesus was neither a relativist nor a rigid, authoritarian absolutist in the conventional sense. He stood firmly on the existence of absolute moral truths, yet demonstrated an approach characterized by grace, forgiveness, and transformative compassion.
Why Jesus Was Not a Relativist
A relativist typically believes that truth and morality are subjective and depend on individual or cultural perspectives, with no universal standards. Jesus' teachings and actions clearly contradicted this view:
- Acknowledgement of Sin: Jesus consistently acknowledged and identified sin as an objective wrong, not merely a subjective choice. For example, he told the woman caught in adultery, "Go and sin no more." This instruction demonstrates a clear recognition of "sin" as an absolute concept that needed to be abandoned, rather than being dismissed or excused. He did not "wink at sin" but identified it as a violation of a divine standard.
- Universal Moral Commands: His teachings, such as those found in the Sermon on the Mount, often presented clear, uncompromising moral imperatives (e.g., love your enemies, do not murder, do not commit adultery) that applied universally, transcending individual preferences or cultural norms.
- Divine Authority: Jesus spoke with an inherent authority, proclaiming truths and laws as from God, which implies a belief in objective, unchanging standards originating from a divine source.
Jesus' Nuanced Approach to Absolute Truths
While Jesus upheld absolute moral truths, his application of these truths distinguished him from a rigid, unforgiving "authoritarian" or "fundamentalist" often associated with certain forms of absolutism.
- Forgiveness and Grace: Jesus' unique contribution was the combination of absolute moral truth with profound grace and forgiveness. He acknowledged sin as sin, but also offered the path to repentance and redemption. His act of forgiving sins, often before or alongside a directive to "sin no more," highlights a system where moral standards are fixed, but the response to human failure within those standards is compassionate.
- Emphasis on Heart and Intent: He often delved deeper than mere outward adherence to rules, emphasizing the heart's condition and intentions behind actions. This didn't negate the rules but contextualized them within a framework of internal righteousness and love.
- Critique of Legalism: Jesus frequently challenged the rigid legalism of the religious leaders of his time, who adhered strictly to external laws without understanding the spirit of the law, which often involved mercy, justice, and faith. This shows he wasn't an absolutist who valued strict adherence over compassion or transformation.
In summary, Jesus affirmed absolute moral principles while practicing a radical form of grace that sought to transform individuals rather than merely condemn them.
