Final answer:
The statement that many people find Christian ethics to be a valuable set of moral guidelines, despite not strictly adhering to Christian beliefs, is true. Even with increasing ethical pluralism and relativism, the ethical tenets of major religious traditions still influence society's moral framework. However, there's also a debate about universal vs. culturally relativistic moral principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement posits that many people regard Christian ethics as a valuable set of moral guidelines, even if they don't adhere strictly to Christian beliefs. This is essentially True. Over the course of the twentieth century, as societies modernized, there was a shift where people began to engage with moral questions through various lenses, including religious, secular, and pluralistic viewpoints. This has led to a plurality of ethical standards, a move towards relativism in some areas, and the embracing of different moral perspectives across different cultures.
With the decline in the number of people adhering to strict religious practices, there has been greater exposure to and acceptance of a wide array of moral principles. Despite this, many individuals and communities still find valuable moral insights within the framework of religious ethics, including those derived from Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Even among those not subscribing fully to a religious creed, the ethical teachings from these traditions, such as the importance of compassion, honesty, and justice, continue to be influential.
Furthermore, ethical theories such as normative ethical relativism have been challenged by the notion that minority views can lead to moral reforms, indicating that predominant societal views may not always be morally correct. This highlights an ongoing debate regarding the existence of universal moral principles versus those which are culturally or contextually determined.