Avoiding Cultural Relativism in Biblical Cultural Examples
Biblical texts frequently address cultural practices, distinguishing between those that align with God's will and those that do not, thereby providing a framework for avoiding cultural relativism. This framework often involves discerning between temporary cultural expressions and enduring spiritual truths.
One recurring theme in the New Testament is the rejection of "myths and endless genealogies" or "Jewish myths and commandments of people who turn away from the truth" [1, 2]. These passages, found in 1 Timothy and Titus, caution against speculative teachings that distract from God's plan, which is rooted in faith [2]. This suggests that not all cultural or traditional narratives hold equal spiritual weight or truth.
The book of Hebrews further develops this idea by urging believers to move beyond "elementary teaching about the Christ" and "dead works" to press on to maturity [3]. This implies a progression from practices that might have been culturally significant but are no longer central to the new covenant. For instance, the author of Hebrews contrasts the Old Covenant with the New, highlighting that the former, with its ceremonial laws, has been abrogated by the gospel [6]. The "altar" of Christianity is the cross of Christ, and the Lord's Supper represents this sacrifice, distinct from the Jewish tabernacle service [7]. Those who serve the Jewish tabernacle, with its ceremonial ordinances, have no right to partake in the spiritual "Gospel meat" of Christians [7]. This distinction underscores that certain cultural religious practices, even those rooted in a divine covenant, can become obsolete or even detrimental when a new, more complete revelation is given.
The Old Testament also provides examples of distinguishing between acceptable and unacceptable cultural practices. In Ezekiel, the prophet condemns the practice of eating upon "mountains," which refers to high places where altars were erected for idolatrous sacrifices [4]. This was a "double sin": sacrificing outside the sanctioned temple and offering sacrifices to idols instead of to Yahweh [4]. The feasts associated with these sacrifices were also condemned [4]. This illustrates that cultural practices, particularly those involving worship, are not inherently neutral but are judged against divine standards.
The Apostle Paul, in Romans, addresses disagreements over "meats, drinks, and festival times," urging believers to prioritize peace and mutual edification over contention [5]. While this passage encourages unity, it also implicitly acknowledges that some practices, though perhaps culturally significant to certain groups, should not become stumbling blocks to faith or hinder the promotion of "religious knowledge and piety" [5]. Similarly, the letter to the Colossians advises believers to "set your mind on the things above, not on the things" of the earth, warning against making idols of earthly things [9]. This suggests that cultural attachments can become problematic if they divert focus from spiritual realities.
The book of Ecclesiastes offers a nuanced perspective, warning against being "righteous over-much" or "wicked overmuch" [8]. This counsel suggests a balanced approach, recognizing that extremes, even in the pursuit of righteousness, can be detrimental [8]. This is not an endorsement of relativism but a caution against rigid adherence to human interpretations that might miss the spirit of the law.
Sources
- Titus “Titus 1:14 (LEB) — not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of people who turn away from the truth.”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 1:4 (LEB) — and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause useless speculations rather than God’s plan that is by faith.”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 6:1 (NASB) — Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,”
- Ezekiel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ezekiel 18:6: not eaten upon . . . mountains--the high places, where altars were reared. A double sin: sacrificing elsewhere than at the temple, where only God sanctioned sacrifice (Deu 12:13-14); and this to idols instead of to Jehovah. "Eaten" refers to the feasts which were connected with the sacrifices (see Exo 32:6; Deu 32:38; Jdg 9:27; Co1 8:4, Co1 8:10; Co1 10:7). lifted . . . eyes to--namely, in adoration (Psa 121:1). The superstitious are compared to harlots; their eyes go eagerly after spiritual lusts. The righteous man not merely refrains from the act,”
- Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 14:19: Let us therefore follow - Far from contending about meats, drinks, and festival times, in which it is not likely that the Jews and Gentiles will soon agree, let us endeavor to the utmost of our power to promote peace and unanimity, that we may be instrumental in edifying each other, in promoting religious knowledge and piety instead of being stumbling-blocks in each other's way.”
- Jeremiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jeremiah 31:32: Not . . . the covenant that I made with . . . fathers--the Old Testament covenant, as contrasted with our gospel covenant (Heb 8:8-12; Heb 10:16-17, where this prophecy is quoted to prove the abrogation of the law by the gospel), of which the distinguishing features are its securing by an adequate atonement the forgiveness of sins, and by the inworking of effectual grace ensuring permanent obedience. An earnest of this is given partially in the present eclectic or elect Church gathered out of Jews and Gentiles. But the promise here to Israel in the ”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 13:10: Christianity and Judaism are so totally distinct, that "they who serve the (Jewish) tabernacle," have no right to eat our spiritual Gospel meat, namely, the Jewish priests, and those who follow their guidance in serving the ceremonial ordinance. He says, "serve the tabernacle," not "serve IN the tabernacle." Contrast with this servile worship ours. an altar--the cross of Christ, whereon His body was offered. The Lord's table represents this altar, the cross; as the bread and wine represent the sacrifice offered on it. Our meat, which we by faith sp”
- Ecclesiastes (Lutheran) “Keil & Delitzsch on Ecclesiastes 7:15: The first of these counsels warns against extremes, on the side of good as well as on that of evil: "All have I seen in the days of my vanity: there are righteous men who perish by their righteousness, and there are wicked men who continue long by their wickedness. Be not righteous over-much, and show not thyself wise beyond measure: why wilt thou ruin thyself? Be not wicked overmuch, and be no fool: why wilt thou die before thy time is? It is good that thou holdest thyself to the one, and also from the other withdrawest not thine hand: for he that fearet”
- Colossians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Colossians 3:2: Translate, "Set your mind on the things above, not on the things," &c. (Col 2:20). Contrast "who mind earthly things" (Phi 3:19). Whatever we make an idol of, will either be a cross to us if we be believers, or a curse to us if unbelievers.”