When Truth Becomes Certainty: Why Moral Absolutism Is Dividing Us
We live in a fascinating and volatile moment in human history. One of the defining characteristics of this time is not disagreement—it’s certainty. Every side of every argument is convinced they are right. Their information is true. Their morality is correct.
But if truth were universal and obvious, why would there be so much disagreement? And why does history show us, again and again, that what humanity once believed to be morally right was later recognized as deeply wrong?
Truth is a complicated concept, especially in spiritual spaces. I’ve seen—and personally experienced—people telling others that there is only one truth, one path, one correct belief system. History tells us otherwise.
Truth Is Inherited, Not Absolute
What we believe to be true is shaped by our families, cultures, religions, education systems, and lived experiences. Morality begins forming at birth. Each household, each community, passes down its own framework of right and wrong.
Somehow, along the way, truth became fused with faith—faith that must be defended at all costs. Any information that challenges that belief is seen as a threat. This creates rigidity, division, and violence, because certainty leaves no room for conversation.
The Danger of Moral Absolutism
Moral absolutism is the belief that there is one correct moral framework and that everyone, everywhere, across all time must adhere to it. It assumes that if someone disagrees, they are corrupt, immoral, or dangerous.
History is filled with examples of this mindset: religious persecution, witch trials, slavery, colonialism, and the oppression of women. These systems were justified by “truths” that benefited those in power.
When truth serves power, dissent becomes a threat.
Power Shapes Truth
Truth has always been shaped by hierarchy. Kings, governments, religious institutions, and cultural leaders have defined morality in ways that reinforced their authority. Those who questioned it were labeled heretics, criminals, or enemies.
This pattern still exists today. Political, religious, and social debates often aren’t about understanding—they’re about winning. About converting. About proving the other side wrong.
Truth Is Contextual, Not Universal
No two people experience reality the same way. Our truths are influenced by race, gender, economic class, trauma, culture, and geography. That means multiple truths can exist at the same time—without canceling each other out.
Just because something isn’t your lived experience doesn’t mean it isn’t real for someone else.
Seeking Wisdom Instead of Certainty
Spiritual seekers are not meant to claim ultimate truth. We are meant to seek. To stay curious. To remain open to new information and evolving perspectives.
Wisdom lives beyond certainty. It recognizes that truth is lived, felt, and embodied—not imposed.
Sovereignty Over Conversion
It is not our responsibility to change anyone else’s beliefs. When we stop trying to convert others, we reclaim our energy. We step out of polarized battlefields and into sovereignty.
Your truth does not need validation.
Your beliefs do not need defense.
Your morality does not need permission.
Closing Reflection
The world does not need more certainty.
It needs more curiosity.
More listening.
More compassion.
When we honor our own truth and allow others to do the same, we dissolve conflict at its root.
Until next time—love and light.