Apologetics
"Charity and Justice Without Absolute Truth"
By: Crystal Diaz
Ecclesiastes 1:9 NASB
That which has been is that which will be, And that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun.
The idea of there being no absolute truths or absolute morality. That whatever is relative to the individual is what they should be governed by, and they have the right to do this. In addition, no one has the right to tell someone that what they are doing is wrong or right. Is not an idea that today’s society invented. Minds have pondered on this for thousands of years. As it is written: " there is nothing new under the sun". So this idea is certainly not the first time that we have seen it in the world, and it is certainly not the last time we will see it. In this article I am going to try my best to provoke your thoughts about this ideology. I will compare this way of thinking and living, with the ideas that we should seek justice, and do charitable work. As well as, point you to the answers of the need for such services found in scripture. In hopes of two things. The first is for the unbeliever to consider the existence and character of God through the Bible, and find the reason for their instinctive need or desire to do charitable work. The second is for the believer to be encouraged to share the gospel and engage people with different ideologies and belief systems.
It was in the Enlightenment era that charitable and philanthropic activity among voluntary associations and rich benefactors became a widespread cultural practice.
Let’s first look at what charities are. The word "charity" entered the English language through the Old French word "charité" which was derived from the Latin "caritas".Originally in Latin the word caritas meant preciousness, dearness, high price. From this, in Christian theology, “caritas” became the standard Latin translation for the Greek word “Αγάπη”, meaning an unconditional love for others.Until the mid-18th century, charity was mainly distributed through parish relief (such as the English poor laws of 1601), churches, almshouses and bequests from the rich. Charities were also responsible for education, health, housing and even prisons. Almshouses were established throughout Europe in the Early Middle Ages to provide a place of residence for poor, old and distressed people - the first recorded almshouse was founded in York by King Athelstan in the 10th century.It was in the Enlightenment era that charitable and philanthropic activity among voluntary associations and rich benefactors became a widespread cultural practice. Societies, gentleman's clubs, and mutual associations began to flourish in England and the upper-classes increasingly adopted a philanthropic attitude toward the disadvantaged. This new social activism was channeled into the establishment of charitable organizations; these proliferated from the middle of the century.
Today in the united states there are about 1.4 million charities, and about 80,000 charities registered in Canada.
Today a charity is an act, but mainly an organization that provides money or help to those in need, through the help of volunteers. Today in the united states there are about 1.4 million charities, and about 80,000 charities registered in Canada. Their services range from providing food, shelter, and clothes for people in need. Preserving and caring for nature, and helping animals. For most of us that watch tv, especially, late at night. We see these really sad commercials about sick and hungry children. Abused animals, and endangered species in the wildlife that need our help. And for a penny or dollar a day we can help save their lives. It is rare that you will find people that hate the idea of charitable work. Having said that, their reasons for doing such work I find interesting. Particularly, when it is based on their knowledge that they are compelled to do so. And they acknowledge that it is just simply the right thing to do.
A protest is a statement, or an expressed objection to something that was said or done.
Secondly let us look at what a protest is. A protest is a statement, or an expressed objection to something that was said or done. The word protest attached itself to movements, demonstrations and strikes. Looking at sources inside and outside Christianity, historically the first protest was that of the protestant reformation. The Protestant Reformation, often referred to simply as the Reformation (from Latin reformatio, lit. "restoration, renewal"), was a schism (division) from the Roman Catholic Church initiated by Martin Luther, John Calvin, Huldrych Zwingli and other early Protestant Reformers in the 16th century Europe. Although there had been significant earlier attempts to reform the Roman Catholic Church before Luther — such as those of Jan Hus, Peter Waldo, and John Wycliffe — it is Martin Luther who is widely acknowledged to have started the Reformation with his 1517 work of nailing the Ninety-Five Theses to the church doors. Beginning the path for such protest throughout history. We see many other examples of protest, from the American and French revolution.
It wasn’t until the 1960’s in America where protest took on more of a political objective nature.
Moreover, Gandhi is believed to have lead the first civil protest march to object the treatment of Indian citizens in South Africa. Paving a way for the civil rights protest of many like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It wasn’t until the 1960’s in America where protest took on more of a political objective nature. Though, there were and still are many social and civil protests. Political views and objections seem to be the main grounds for a protest.
Note: I find it amazing that the beginning of both charity practices and protesting what is wrong are both founded on what is written in the Bible. And practiced by those who believed the truths of the scriptures. Furthermore, secular (non Christian) sources can confirm this historically.
If there is no such thing as an absolute; whether, it is of morality or of truth then what foundation; in which, the pursuit to seek justice is built upon, if there is no such thing as an absolute?
Naturally when I consider the idea of charities, protest, strikes, and the entire pursuit of justice. There are theses questions that come to my mind. If there is no such thing as an absolute; whether, it is of morality or of truth then what foundation; in which, the pursuit to seek justice is built upon, if there is no such thing as an absolute? In other words if you stand on the belief that there is no true wrong and right, that it depends on each person's perception, and we are not to judge anyone. Let alone tell them what is wrong or right. How then can you seek justice of wrong or right, if there is nothing of absolute truth which you can base the idea on? What is a charity without a source for the belief of helping those in need. What is a march without the belief that people are being mistreated, and how do you determine this? And what do you base it on? Why is there a need for a protest if there is no reference point to the idea of what equality is? If everyone has the right to believe what they believe, and no one can tell them they're wrong?
So staying with the theory of survival of the fittest he exercises his strength on the weaker kids by dominating them. His teachers would tell him it's not right, but they could never truly tell him why.
Example: There was a young boy in school who was taught about evolution being the beginning of life, and Darwinism as the basis of life. These are the beliefs that we are all here by a cosmic accident, and some are made stronger that the other, and evolution will continue to evolve humans. So staying with the theory of survival of the fittest he exercises his strength on the weaker kids by dominating them. His teachers would tell him it's not right, but they could never truly tell him why. It does not fit into the theories taught in school. So he walked away confused, yet, he continued in his pursuit of happiness. For his behavior was pleasing to him. So he grows to find happiness in treating people this way. His friends have not told him he's wrong because they respected his beliefs, as he did theirs. But if they did what would they base their opinion and judgements on? They were taught the same thing he was. So one day he abused his girlfriend, gets arrested, and these same friends who recently and frequently have been protesting and marching against domestic violence, are called to testify on the stand as character witnesses for the prosecution. What position can they possibly take? Remember no one has the right to tell anyone they're wrong. Would they be right if they spoke about the awful way he treats people? Or would they be wrong if they simply said I have no right to judge anyone? I give this example to illustrate the confusion in believing this way. However, the truth of God's word can fully explain all of it.
It's not that we don't think it'll help us, we just don't want it to help us. Because we'd rather eat something else.
The absence of absolute truth is the denial of God. Not his existence, these are very different things. For example, we are offered a bowl of soup when we are sick. It is said to be good for us. However, we don't accept it because we'd rather not eat it. Although, the soup will help us we will deny it benefits by not eating it. It's not that we don't think it'll help us, we just don't want it to help us. Because we'd rather eat something else. Something more pleasing, and sweet.
Romans 1:20-25 NASB
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
Ancient religions have always worshipped nature and animals, yet they didn't acknowledge one god as being the creator of everything. For them many gods controlled many things. This practice of worship continues today in most religions outside of Christianity. Even the ones that claim no religion marvel at nature and treasure animals. Seldom do they give the same awe and love to the one who created and designed both nature and animals. Now because people denied, and continue to deny God and His laws. Even though, they know he exist, God has passed judgement.
Romans 1:28-32 NASB
And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.
This is why mankind has lived on their different ideologies, religions, and beliefs.
His judgment is to give them over to their own desires. This is why mankind has lived on their different ideologies, religions, and beliefs. As they continue in trying to self govern themselves.
Romans 3:10-20 NASB
as it is written, "There is none righteous , not even one ; There is none who understands , There is none who seeks for God ; All have turned aside , together they have become useless ; There is none who does good , There is not even one ." "Their throat is an open grave , With their tongues they keep deceiving ," "The poison of asps is under their lips
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