Moral Relativism

Jim,
I can't speak for all Christians, but I'll give you my take on it:

First and foremost, the Scriptures tell us clearly that NO human being is morally perfect or upright. Therefore, anyone screaming about the "decline of morality" just isn't paying attention. Declining from what? Society has never been morally upright nor will it ever be. Being morally "correct" is something for which each individual must strive. We can't expect society to do it for us.
Second, as a Chrfistian, I don't believe I can get there without turning myself over to G-d. Even then, I know I cannot get there because I still will struggle with my selfish (and selfishness is the heart of sinfulness and immorality) nature. I have to take Jesus and the Holy Spirit into my heart and try my best to empty it of my own desires. This is an almost impossible task, but a noble one. IMHO, the ultimate one. All morality flows from doing this. When I empty myself, I find it easier to focus on how to help other people. When I center on my own wants and desires, I find I am more out of touch with the needs of others.
Third, yes, I believe in "absolutes" if you will. I agree with the philosophy that things either "are" or they "aren't," i.e. either there is a G-d or there isn't. What I believe doesn't change the fact of the matter. The truth is what the truth is. I can say there is not a computer in front of me right now, but it doesn't change the fact that there is. I understand 'relativism' and perspective, but ulimately I don't believe they have real bearing on factual things. Certainly, my perceptions colour how I see things and people and how I react to them, but it still doesn't change the basic nature of anything.
Yes, our forefathers were basically immoral people. So are we, so am I. I respect them as people who tried to overcome their shortcomings and make a difference in the world. I can only hope to be half as successful as they were in making a difference in lives of people around me, helping them to a better life and pointing them toward the G-d of salvation that overcomes the world. That's the mission of Christianity. A lot of people forget that and rely on "self-righteousness" and "moral superiority," but the real truth of what Jesus told us (getting into absolutes again) is that none of us are morally superior to each other and in fact, those who believe they are morally superior are the least moral of anyone and the furthest from G-d: "Blessed are the destitute in Spirit" because they understand what they are and their absolute need for G-d.

MayberrySaint posted: "Not being a Christian, I may be way off...but I have always felt that Christianity seems to focus so much on sin and everyone is a sinner and that we all need to ask for forgiveness. I really don't understand the focus on sin or immorality.
In the Buddhist philosophy, there are certain precepts or "morals" that should be followed similar to Christianity...Do not harm other living beings, speak truth, etc. but the focus is more on practicing moral behavior as opposed to assuming we are all going to sin and need forgiveness from a higher power. Morality comes from within...not laid down by societal beliefs."
Actually, Mayberry, that last statement was the whole point of Jesus' argument with the Pharisees. Buddhist philosophy is following the same lines as what Jesus said. It's easy not to know this when you see certain "televangelists" and others screaming judgement, etc., but the real message of Jesus was that we must empty ourselves to be filled with the righteousness of G-d rather than filling ourselves with our own perceived merits.

I hope I have provided a reasonable answer to your question, Jim! No, I do not believe in "relative truth," but neither do I believe that any human being has the right to stand in judgement and condemn his fellow human being for his "immorality." That is for G-d. My job is a Christian is to serve my fellow man and show him the loving face of G-d so he will want to empty himself of his immorality and fill himself with the loving Spirit, too. It's a never-ending task that none of can truly live up to, but as I said, it is the greatest task we can take on.