Subjectivism — What is it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Subjectivism is a philosophical position, asserting that the nature of reality is dependent on individual perception or thought. This view challenges the concept of objective truth, suggesting that what is real, good, or true varies based on personal perspective. While subjectivism aims to respect diverse viewpoints, it poses significant logical and practical problems, particularly when applied to ethics and metaphysics. The Bible, in contrast, presents a worldview rooted in objective reality and absolute truth. Scripture affirms God's independent existence (Exodus 3:14), the reality of creation apart from human perception (Genesis 1:1–25), and the objective nature of moral truths (Romans 2:14–15). Understanding subjectivism and its implications is crucial for Christians navigating a culture often influenced by relativistic thinking, helping them articulate and defend the biblical worldview effectively.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Exodus 3:14: "God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And he said, 'Say this to the people of Israel: "I AM has sent me to you."'" This statement emphasizes God's objective existence, independent of human perception.
• Psalm 19:1: "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." This passage suggests an objective reality that reveals God's nature, contradicting subjectivist views.
• Proverbs 14:12: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." This verse is a warning against relying solely on individual perception, implying the existence of objective truth beyond personal opinion.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• John 14:6: "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" This statement by Jesus asserts an absolute, objective truth, contradicting subjectivist perspectives.
• Romans 1:20: "For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." This verse suggests that certain truths about God are objectively discernible from creation.
• First Corinthians 15:14: "And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain." Paul here bases the Christian faith on an objective, historical event, not subjective belief.
• Hebrews 11:3: "By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible." This verse affirms a reality beyond human perception, challenging subjectivist views of existence.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The prevalence of subjectivist thinking in contemporary culture calls believers to gain a deeper understanding of our faith's philosophical underpinnings and develop a more articulate defense of biblical truth claims. In a world where "that's true for you, but not for me" is a common refrain, Christians are challenged to compassionately, yet firmly, assert the existence of objective truth and moral standards. This situation invites believers to develop a robust apologetic that addresses the logical inconsistencies of subjectivism while presenting the coherence and explanatory power of the Christian worldview. Moreover, it encourages Christians to embody the truth they proclaim, demonstrating through their lives the reality and relevance of objective, God-given truths.

UNDERSTAND

• Subjectivism claims that reality depends on individual perceptions, suggesting that truth and morality can vary from person to person.
• The Bible teaches that absolute truths and moral standards are independent of human perception.
• Subjectivism leads to ethical ambiguity, making it challenging to establish a consensus on moral issues.

REFLECT

• How do you navigate situations where your perspective on truth differs from someone else's?
• How can understanding objective truth strengthen your faith and decision-making in everyday life?
• What limitations do you see in subjectivism when put to the test of practical situations?

ENGAGE

• Subjectivism, which holds that knowledge and truth are dependent on individual perceptions, fails in real life when applied to objective realities. For instance, if two people witness a car accident and have completely different interpretations of who was at fault, subjectivism would imply that both perspectives are equally valid. However, the facts of the incident—such as traffic laws and eyewitness evidence—remain constant, regardless of personal beliefs, highlighting that objective truth exists independently of subjective opinions.
• What are some practical examples of ethical dilemmas where subjectivism could lead to conflicting moral conclusions? How does the Bible provide clarity in such situations?
• How can Christians effectively communicate the importance of objective truth to a culture that often prioritizes personal perception over established facts?