In Conversation with College Students
Yesterday, three university students visited my office, sparking an engaging discussion about relativism based on Tedx talks. It revealed that such talks, regardless of the organizers or their beliefs, can foster meaningful conversations and even help seekers find revelations about God. Here are the highlights of my conversation with them:
Student 1: Sir, what are your thoughts on Tedx talks?
The organization and speakers were impressive, but I disagree with their views, especially when they tried to prove relativism.
Student 2: Why is that, Sir?
Well, if you believe that someone else’s truth is just as valid as your own, trying to prove your own truth for both becomes hypocritical. To prove relativism, you end up using absolute statements, which defeats the purpose and disproves it.
Student 3: Can you simplify this, Sir?
Let me ask you this: How would you respond to someone who says, “We need to doubt everything”?
Student 3: Should I doubt your statement that we need to doubt everything?
Exactly! If they say no, they disapprove of their own statement. If they say yes, they ask us to doubt their own statement.
Student 3: I see it now.
Remember the story of the six blind men one of the speakers used to prove relativism?
Student 1: Yes.
When the speaker used that analogy, he claimed to have an absolute perspective, a standpoint from which he could see the whole elephant to prove relativism, which is contradictory.
Student 3: Oh, I get it.
So why is relativism so complex?
It’s not really complex. Relativism denies a standard of measurement. For example, one person says, “I am tall,” and another says, “I am not tall.” The issue isn’t relative truth; it’s the standard they use to measure. One might use humans as a standard, while the other uses giraffes. That’s easily resolved through communication. What relativism does is that it denies the standard of measurement.
Student 2: Why is it still hard for people to understand?
It’s more of a heart problem than a head problem. Denying absolute truth allows moral relativism. Acknowledging absolute truth implies a moral framework and the existence of God as a personal being capable of making moral judgments.
Student 1: How can religions coexist?
Do you want a diplomatic answer or an honest one?
Student 1: An honest one.
Honestly, it’s more logical to say that all religions are false than to claim they are all true. We may use similar words, but terms like salvation, judgment, and good deeds carry different meanings to people of different worldviews. However, we can find common ground in the concept of “free will.” Everyone has the right to choose their beliefs as long as they don’t harm others. It’s a choice between whether one wants to believe in the truth or believe anything to be true.
Student 2: Wow, Sir, this was an enlightening conversation. We appreciate your time, and we’ll meet again soon.
Anytime!
