Relative Truth...An Ye Harm None

As a freshman at Woolston-Steen Theological Seminary, it is required to read Awakening Spirit, and the first part of the first chapter discusses the idea that truth is relative. There is no one truth, and everybody is always right because we all see the world through our own experiences. That’s not hard to believe when we’re discussing something like the plot of a movie, but what about the more significant issues? I know that the political climate in America is...well, it’s complicated, to put it mildly. From angry groups, yelling horrible racist statements, to gunmen killing innocents in mass shootings. It’s evident that these people are wrong, isn’t it? How can somebody who spouts White Nationalist propaganda be truthful? To say, out loud, that because someone is not white, that they are inferior? Every cell in my body rails against that idea. Everything I believe, everything I have been taught, says that we are all equal. That our skin color, or cultural background, or religion, doesn’t mean anything in the end. But, that is my truth. And as sure as I know that my truth is right, so are groups like the White Nationalists. And according to relative truth, we’re both correct. That is so hard to accept. How does one reconcile with this idea that everyone’s truth is always true?

I believe that no one is born with hate in their heart. Hate is learned, that is where relative truth comes in. People do the best with what they have. If you are raised in an environment that bombards you with negative messages, you will most likely grow up spouting those messages later in life. That’s not to say that one cannot overcome their upbringing, but it’s difficult to see another point of view when what you believe is reinforced. The tricky thing about relative truth is that it becomes a cycle. If your truth is that life is full of opportunities for everyone, you will probably not have a problem with seeing a person different from you get something, like a job, over you. You’ll probably just think that they have more experience, and eventually you’ll get another job. If your truth is that minorities are stealing jobs away from your tribe, then when you don’t get that job, it will be because they are getting preferential treatment due to their minority status. So, while I will never think that White Nationalism is in any way a good thing, I can understand that it is a truth for some.

I’m not excusing actions here. Mass shootings, cross burnings, marches of white hooded cowards, are all utterly repugnant! The Wiccan Rede says “An ye harm none, do what ye will.” And in the Bible, it says “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” No matter what truth you hold to, harming another is never acceptable. The same principle that makes relative truth hard to swallow is also its most fantastic feature. Our differences make the human race stronger. If we can accept that truth is relative, we can truly begin a journey of acceptance. Armed with this acceptance, in theory, the next time I come across a staunch Trump supporter, I will be able to listen and accept that, while I do not support Trump, they are not anybody to hate. Their truth is just as valid, but it is their truth, not mine. And that’s ok.