So, I think that the relativized version of this is relativized to a being who has perfected his way of being relative to other beings.

James Faulconer

Stop and read that quote a few times and make sure you can see what Jim is saying. Do you believe there is such a thing as perfected relativity?

Ok, maybe some context will help.

Well usually when we think about truth being relative we ultimately mean something like, “It means whatever I want it to. Whatever is convenient for me.” And I think that is an obviously ridiculous way to understand the truth. But I do think it makes sense to say that even propositional truth is relative to the circumstances and contexts in which a person thinks it or says it or understands it or whatever. And that that’s probably why for me the most important definition is that truth is not a proposition but a way of being.

If I say to myself, “Jesus Christ is the Truth,” then what I’m saying is living in the world in the way that he would or that he does, is living truthfully. Now, that does relativize it to a certain extent, but it doesn’t relativize it to my desires or my convenience or something like that. It sets a pretty high bar if I were to decide to do something other than what’s commanded, for example. The bar for doing that is not just my particular pleasure.

So, I think that the relativized version of this is relativized to a being who has perfected his way of being relative to other beings.

What does it mean for God to be perfected in relativity?

If you haven’t watched The Chosen, I highly recommend it. The series is hosted by Vidangel and syndicated by BYUI. They state that, ‘The Chosen allows us to see Him through the eyes of those who knew him.’ As you watch, you will see how well they tell the story of Jesus’ relativity. One of those examples, is how they depict the conversation of Mary with Jesus when she requests that Jesus to help with the wedding wine.

Mary: We have run out of wine!
Jesus: Why are you telling me this?
Mary: We can’t let the celebration end like this and Asher’s family humiliated.
Jesus: Mother, my time has not yet come.
Mary: If not now… when… Please.
Jesus: A confirming face that he will act.

The scene was done so well that I was left pondering about His perfected relativity. Jesus told His mother that this was not the first plan - His ’time was not yet come.’ However, Mary convinces Jesus to readjust His plan. I think we see a similar scenario on Mark 7:24-30 when Jesus responds to the argument of the Greek woman. In both examples, we watch authentic relationship where Jesus listens to the individual and then responds in that unique and relational situation. Both examples help us learn how to listen and change our plans when those of faith come with requests. If God can do it, then so must we.

How do we perfect our manner of being relative to others?

I am not sure there is a quick answer to this question. I would like to think that the invitation to ask, ‘What would Jesus do? is intended to invoke relative truths. If we see God as this static being that never changes and is timeless , then we are incorrectly persuaded to think that

• we shouldn’t change our views or at least those views that we feel God gifted us in the past.
• we have to make the right choice today because we might fall off the timeless track of His plan.
• we should ignore our surrounding when deciding our actions as if our actions had no dependency on those relative to us.

I would like to think that seeing God as a healer instead of a teacher or judge would help us understand our relationship to others. As healers, we must recognize that each wound is unique. There are principles that stay consistent, but the interaction with an individual’s wounds requires a very steady but relative hand. God is the great healer and He wants us to join His practice.

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