Escaping the Trap of Relativism: 7 Steps from St. Thomas Aquinas
From Confusion to Conversion
In a world that says, “Live your own truth” and “You do you,” it can be difficult to reach people trapped in modern relativism and human-centered thinking. But nearly 800 years ago, St. Thomas Aquinas gave us a roadmap—a way to lead hearts and minds back to truth through reason, love, and grace.
Here are 7 powerful steps from the Summa Theologiae to help rescue those caught in the confusion of modern ideologies—with practical actions to live and share the truth.
1. Start With Reason — But Don’t End There
Relativists often worship reason, while rejecting faith. But Aquinas reminds us: faith perfects reason, it doesn’t oppose it.
“Grace does not destroy nature but perfects it.” (ST I, Q1, A8)
Instead of mocking skepticism, engage it. Show that reason is a gift—but like all gifts, it must be guided by a higher truth.
Action Steps:
Host or attend a philosophy night at your parish or home.
Ask curious questions: “How do you know that?”
Read Aquinas together with a friend or group using beginner guides.
2. Ask: What Is Real Happiness?
Most people are chasing happiness, but Aquinas teaches that true happiness is not pleasure or power—it’s union with the One who made us.
“Man’s ultimate happiness consists in the contemplation of God.” (ST I–II, Q3, A8)
Relativism offers temporary highs. Christ offers eternal fulfillment.
Action Steps:
Ask someone, “What really makes you happy—and does it last?”
Share your own moments of finding deeper joy in Christ.
Gift or recommend media that explores the nature of true happiness (e.g., The Fulfillment of All Desire, Bishop Barron videos).
3. Expose the Limits of Created Things
Modern humanism makes idols out of success, love, wealth, and health. Aquinas gently dismantles this by pointing out the obvious: None of these things last forever.
“Created goods are finite; they cannot satisfy the infinite longing of the soul.” (ST I–II, Q2, paraphrased)
Every earthly good points to a greater good—God Himself.
Action Steps:
When someone expresses emptiness despite success, reflect that earthly joys never fully satisfy.
Use your own story: “I got what I wanted—and still felt unfulfilled.”
Place reminders of this truth in your environment (quotes, icons, minimalist art).
4. Reclaim the Meaning of Truth
Relativism says: “Truth is whatever you believe.”
Aquinas says:
“Truth is in the intellect insofar as it conforms to the thing known.” (ST I, Q16, A1)
Truth isn’t invented—it’s discovered. It’s not flexible—it’s firm. And real love speaks it.
Action Steps:
Ask: “Can two contradictory things both be true?”
Teach children and teens to seek truth—not just opinion.
Share Aquinas quotes about truth on social media or in your home.
5. Reawaken the Moral Law Within
Even those who deny right and wrong still act as if some things are always wrong. That’s the natural law—the moral compass written by God on every human heart.
“The natural law is nothing else than the rational creature’s participation in the eternal law.” (ST I–II, Q91, A2)
Start there. Appeal to the conscience before the Catechism.
Action Steps:
Use everyday moral moments (“cheating is wrong”) to start conversations.
Ask: “Why does that feel wrong, even if it’s legal?”
Use natural law–based examinations of conscience to reconnect moral clarity to lived experience.
6. Show That Man Is Not the Measure
Modern humanism says, “Man is the measure of all things.”
Aquinas says: man is contingent, created, dependent—he cannot explain himself without a cause.
“It is necessary to arrive at a first mover… and this everyone understands to be God.” (ST I, Q2, A3)
We are not the center of the universe. But we are loved by the One who is.
Action Steps:
Ask: “Did you create yourself?” or “What caused your existence?”
Use awe: stars, DNA, or logic to point toward a Designer.
Pray Psalm 8: “What is man that You are mindful of him?”
7. Lead Them to Christ—the Living Truth
Ultimately, Aquinas doesn’t just want people to accept truth—he wants them to meet the Truth made flesh: Jesus Christ.
“It was necessary that God become man, so that man might be brought back to God.” (ST III, Q1, A2)
Not an idea. Not a system. Not just a virtue. A Person.
Action Steps:
Invite someone to pray with you—introduce them to Christ in relationship, not theory.
Share how Jesus changed your life.
Evangelize by friendship and joy, not argument.
Final Word: From Confusion to Conversion
Modern relativism is a fog. But St. Thomas Aquinas offers light. He teaches us to start with reason, aim at the heart, and lead people to the Cross.
Truth is not a threat to freedom. Truth is what makes us free.
“Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me.” —Jesus
