How does cultural relativism influence society?

TL;DR:

Cultural relativism, while useful in anthropology, poses challenges to Christian ethics by potentially conflicting with absolute moral standards set by God.

Cultural relativism is the principle that a person's beliefs and practices should be understood and evaluated based on their own cultural context, rather than judged by the standards of another culture. The Bible doesn't directly address cultural relativism, as the concept emerged long after Scripture was written. However, it provides principles for understanding cultural differences and maintaining absolute moral standards. God's Word acknowledges diversity among peoples (Acts 17:26–27) while also asserting universal truths and moral absolutes (Exodus 20:1–17; Romans 2:14–15). The Bible teaches that while customs may vary, God's standards of righteousness remain constant (Malachi 3:6). It also shows how God worked within various cultural contexts to reveal His truth (Acts 17:22–31), yet He called people to a higher standard based on His character and commands (Leviticus 18:1–5; 1 Peter 1:14–16).

from the old testament

Genesis 18:25: "Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?" Abraham appeals to a universal standard of justice, suggesting moral absolutes that transcend culture.
Leviticus 18:3–4: "You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. You shall not walk in their statutes. You shall follow my rules and keep my statutes and walk in them. I am the LORD your God." God calls His people to follow His standards, rather than those of the surrounding cultures.
Deuteronomy 12:28: "Be careful to obey all these words that I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the LORD your God." This verse emphasizes obedience to God's commands as the standard for right living, regardless of cultural norms.
Jeremiah 10:2–3: "Thus says the LORD: 'Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity.'" This warns against blindly adopting cultural practices that contradict God's ways.

from the new testament

Acts 17:26–27: "And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him." Paul acknowledges cultural diversity while asserting a common origin and purpose for all humanity.
Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." This verse encourages believers to evaluate cultural norms against God's standards.
First Corinthians 9:19–23: Paul describes becoming "all things to all people" to win them to Christ, demonstrating cultural adaptability while maintaining gospel truth.
Colossians 2:8: "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." Here are warnings against philosophies, including cultural relativism, that may contradict Christ's teachings.
First Peter 1:14–16: "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" Peter calls believers to a standard of holiness that transcends cultural norms.

implications for today

Cultural relativism significantly impacts how modern society approaches ethical issues and cross-cultural interactions. For Christians, it presents both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, it encourages respect for cultural differences and can create empathy and understanding in an increasingly globalized world. This aligns with the biblical principles of loving one's neighbor (Mark 12:31) and being sensitive to others' consciences (1 Corinthians 8:9–13). However, taken to its logical conclusion, cultural relativism can undermine the concept of absolute truth and morality. It can lead to moral ambiguity and a reluctance to address harmful practices that may be culturally accepted in some societies. Christians must navigate this tension, respecting cultural diversity while upholding biblical standards of truth and morality.

For individual believers, cultural relativism presents the challenge of discerning between cultural preferences and biblical mandates. In broader society, cultural relativism influences debates on human rights, international law, and social policies. While cultural relativism offers valuable insights for understanding diverse societies, Christians are called to a higher standard— conformity to Christ rather than culture (Romans 8:29).

understand

Cultural relativism evaluates morality through individual cultural contexts, rather than outside standards.
Cultural relativism encourages awareness of other cultures, but it can undermine the concept of absolute truth and morality.
Christians should work to discern the difference between cultural preferences and biblical commands.

reflect

How does understanding cultural relativism influence your approach to engaging with people from different backgrounds while maintaining your Christian values?
How does the tension between cultural relativism and biblical morality challenge your response while upholding God's standards?
How can you personally navigate cultural practices that conflict with biblical teachings while showing love and respect to others?

engage

As long as local custom does not violate biblical standards, cultural respect can be an effective tool. This does not mean that cultural relativism is a valid ethical source. Mankind is fallen, and so are our cultures. General consensus does not dictate right and wrong. God instructed the Israelites to wipe out entire nations that valued their own culture over God's law. God is the origin of morality (Deuteronomy 12:28), and His Word is the standard by which we should live.
Cultural relativism (culture dictating morality) is different than being sensitive and respectful to other cultures. It is good to be aware of local customs and to not flagrantly ignore others' standards of propriety (1 Corinthians 9:19–23). For example, a believer in Saudi Arabia may still eat halal food and wear a headscarf because she believes it is right.
Issues arise when cultural practices conflict with the Bible. For example, polygamy is perfectly legal in many countries, but that does not make it morally correct. The Bible is what must guide morality, and that means making some changes, despite what culture says. When a man with several wives becomes a Christian in Africa or Asia, he is often convicted that polygamy was not God's perfect plan for His followers. In this case, he is struggling with his own culture and has difficult decisions to make.
INCLUDE ARTICLE LINK: https://www.compellingtruth.org/cultural-relativism.html