According to the “State of Theology survey conducted by Ligonier Ministries and LifeWay Research. Six in 10 Americans say religious belief is about opinion rather than objective truth. In 2022, 31% of evangelicals strongly agree religious belief is a matter of personal opinion; it is not about objective truth. (State of Theology,2022)
In recent years, the understanding of objective truth has been muddied. A proper understanding of truth is essential to living in the real world. We live in the real world even if people have embraced other points of view about truth.
So, the first thing we should do is define truth.
“Simply put, Truth is telling it like it is. That is, Truth corresponds with the way things really are.” (Geisler & Jimenez, 2011)
In other words, we call the way things are reality. Truth is stipulated in reality. We define reality as that which exists or has existence.
I like how Norman Geisler and Jason Jimenez helps us understand the truth,
“It is Transcendent: Truth comes from God, and he has revealed it to his creation. Take gravity, for example. Newton didn’t determine gravity; he merely discovered its existence. In the same way, humans know Truth because God reveals it in his creation and in his Word, the Bible.
Real: Truth matches (corresponds to) the facts in the real world. Two opposing things can’t be true at the same time and in the same sense. That would be a contradiction. Universal: Truth applies to all people, at all times, and in all locations. For example, 1 + 1 = 2 is a universal truth that is not challenged or denied. Exclusive: Truth is absolute. Though opinions about truth change, truth, on the other hand, remains the truth and therefore cannot change. Beliefs change but not truth.”
We can also see truth in two ways—subjective truth and objective truth. Subjective truth has to do with one’s preferences. It’s subject to change based on several factors, one being circumstances. Relativism is a form of subjective truth. Relativism is the belief that truth is based on an individual’s perspective, not on something absolute or universally applicable.
“objective truth deals with the real, mind-independent world. Objective truths are true no matter what we prefer or believe. They do not change because of our thoughts or whims. They are mind-independent and depend on the object itself.” (McDowell, 2017)
Objective truth is grounded in reality. The world has marketed to us a myriad of diverse beliefs and ever-shifting perspectives, where the concept of absolute truth often finds itself challenged and even dismissed. Earlier, we saw the numbers. Truth is seen as more subjective than ever in our culture today.
As believers, our foundation is solid because of who our truth is. Jesus Christ. Our truth is absolute because it is grounded in the character and nature of God. Jesus told us, “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NLT. The Truth of Jesus Christ is that He is the only way of salvation. Through faith, we can be redeemed.
Absolute truth provides a moral compass that guides us as believers in making ethical decisions that align with God’s standards and will. Now that Jesus ascended into heaven, He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us in truth.
“When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” John 16:13 NLT
Absolute truth gives us stability and security. We can find comfort in Christ as our Savior and the Holy Spirit being with us daily.
Let’s echo King David when He wrote, “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation” (Ps. 25:5 ESV).
References
State of Theology, 2022 thestateoftheology.com.
The Harvest Handbook of Apologetics What Is Truth? By Richard G. Howe (2018)
The Bble’s answers To 100 of Life’s biggest Questions By Norman L. Geisler and Jason Jimenez (2011)
Evidence That demands A verdict Life-changing truth for a skeptical world by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell, PhD (2017)
