Austin Fontaine 
Megan Novelli I am always shocked when I realize how much the work of philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle still influence prominent thinkers of today. During our Greek philosophy lecture, I was very interested in the Epicureanists, who defined happiness as “freedom from physical pain and mental anxiety.” I would definitely agree with the assertion presented in class that epicureanist thinking is still socially relevant. It is my opinion that many people focus heavily on the here-and-now aspect of things and pretty much ignore spirituality (which is, in part, the contemplation of the future) altogether, choosing instead to respect others’ religions as their own and adopting a “truth is relative” approach to immortal contemplation. It seems that post-modernism goes hand in hand with relativism.
This brings me back to Revelations 3:16 where John testifies against a lukewarm faith. I mean, doesn’t the post-modern relativist philosophy pose a dangerous threat to the bold and united Church Jesus longed for? It is this blogger’s opinion that it does, and in the true spirit of west Texas I ask, what do ya’ll think?
Kameron Allen
8:37 pm, 09.05.10
I believe that relativism, or at least absolute relativism, poses a major threat to most religious institutions, especially Christianity. In my own life, I found that conforming to the idea that “truth is relative” only led me down an extremely difficult road that ultimately ended when I realized I was indifferent to all forms of spirituality. This indifference, I think, is a trap that many people fall into and few escape. I noticed in another post that you mentioned the concept of epistemological humility; it is this concept, not relativism, that is key for those seeking truth.
Thanks for the post!
Michelle Nix
10:22 pm, 09.05.10
I do think that relativism within the realm of Christianity can be dangerous. I see the whole concept that “truth is relative” is a way of adjusting what we believe to be true to accommodate our actions, morals, and ideas. I will forever respect the spirituality of others, but I know if I allow myself to be too open and too tolerant I could eventually wonder what it is I actually believe. For me, there is a difference for searching for real truth and searching for a truth that fits within my life. I want to constantly be searching, but also stand firm and hold fast to the faith I have been building for many years. I have always said that I never want to be a chameleon. I do not want to be that person that adapts and changes according to their surroundings and environment. I have seen some of my friends struggle with that very concept. It is like they woke up one day and questioned everything they were ever taught. Their truth was relative to the people they were around and the ideas that others believed. With relativism in accordance with faith, I think you will find a person that is ever-changing, but lacks a critical foundation. It is the foundation of truth in God that will allow us to grow and change spiritually, yet keep us from becoming lukewarm.
Amy McLean
10:28 pm, 09.05.10
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all. Ephesians 4:5&6
I agree with your statement that a “truth is relative” approach is a threat to the Church Christ calls us to be. The verse above has always spoken to me as an absolute. When truth becomes relative it discounts the fact that there is only one God and one faith and thus, rejects the central theme of Christianity entirely.
Jason Herrington
12:40 am, 09.06.10
After reading this post I was reminded of the project I did in my high school Worldview class on the topic of Universalism. Although it was a while ago I remember that Universalists meet in a church that to the normal eye looks to be an average church of a Christian. However the Univeralist churches do not except one faith in their church in fact they embrace a multitude of religions. The Bible may be quoted but so is the Koran, as well as other “sacred books” from other religions. Christian hymns are sung but so are chants and other forms of worship taken from other religions.
While to some this may seem a way to coexist I find it to very uncomforting because it does not provide a strong foundation of core beliefs but multiple conflicting religions. It is important for me to have one way, one truth, and one light.
Alyssa Bowyer
12:40 am, 09.06.10
I agree with you. Although I have to admit, when I think of happiness, the first things I tend to think of are things that apply to the here-and-now. “What will make me and the people around me happy now?” The current beliefs of society that everyone has the option to choose what makes them happy and that it is not morally right to publicly oppose another persons faith and beliefs is breaking down what Jesus fought for during His time here on earth. It causes many Christians not to stand up for their faith and fight to discover and share as much about the truth of God as they can find.