Pluralism says that all notions of truth are equally true; all lifestyles and belief systems are equally valid; all roads lead to the same destination. Secularism removes the sacred from society; it insists that religious principles should play no part in shaping public policy.
It's the marriage of pluralism and secularism that's given birth to political correctness. Some social commentators are saying that this marriage is also weakening our ability to think critically, to apply reason in problem situations. Critical thinking involves being able to see the principles behind an argument and to decipher whether it is consistent or not.
Pluralism, when it is divorced from boundaries or spiritual values, leads to a form of cultural schizophrenia.
If we're not careful, we end up saying, with great conviction, that we believe two totally contradictory things at the same time. It's as if we're trying to map society's future with a compass that says north is in two completely different directions. This can tear a society apart.
Political correctness is in part, I think, an attempt to give secularised Western society the values of tolerance, courtesy and respect that were traditionally provided by its Judeo-Christian heritage.
But political correctness tries to legislate tolerance, ignoring the fact that compassion and respect for others begin in the heart - they often come out of deeply held spiritual values.
Before societies can change for the better, we must change. The biggest problems of our time are problems of the human heart. We won't bring lasting change to global warming without a fundamental change to human greed. We can't end racism without a change to human distrust and fear. We'll never make poverty history unless there's a fundamental change to human selfishness.
None of these problems can be solved by passing laws alone.
About Mal Fletcher:
Mal Fletcher (www.malfletcher.net) is a Christian author, business and media consultant, global speaker and broadcaster currently based in London. He was formerly National Director of the faith-based organisation Youth Alive Australia before going on to found the forward-looking communications company Next Wave International (www.nextwaveonline.com) and the annual European summit for community and church leaders, the Strategic Leadership Consultation.
Copyright: Mal Fletcher, printed with permission
