ABSOLUTE TRUTH
In my previous post, I implied that absolute truth is at the heart of our divisive culture. After pondering that idea for a few days, I am still holding that conclusion. In this post, mostly a stream of consciousness, I want to explore the idea of absolute truth and perhaps clarify my conclusion.
In full disclosure, I believe there is absolute truth. I know some will breath a sigh of relief and a few will wince.
The subject of absolute truth is a trigger in post-modern culture. The following quote helps frame the issue:
Whatever happened to the truth?! In our world, the idea of ultimate truth — something that is true at all times in all places and has relevance for our lives — is about as extinct as the dinosaur. In fact, nearly three out of four Americans say there is no such thing as ultimate, or absolute, truth. And the numbers don’t look much better among those who claim to follow Jesus.
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/church/absolute-truth/
In a society where ultimate truth is treated like a fairy tale, an outdated idea or even an insult to human intelligence, the motto of the day becomes, “WHATEVER!” Believe whatever you want. Do whatever seems best to you. Live for whatever brings you pleasure, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone. And of course, be tolerant. Don’t try to tell anyone that their whatever is wrong.
Ironically, everyone believes in Absolute truth.
When someone says, “There is no such thing as absolute truth,” that person is actually making a statement that he or she believes to be absolutely true. Contradictory, isn’t it?
Christianity has come to be defined largely its commitment to culture wars, battling assaults on absolute truth. The opposition’s absolute belief that there is no absolute truth is a Maginot Line. This is a frightening proposition. When one believes they possess absolute truth, any action can be justified to protect truth. Therein lies the basis for concluding that absolute truth is a root cause of division. Logic will not permit any compromise. If A is absolutely true, then B is absolutely false. The conflict has evolved into trench warfare
Mutually assured destruction is not imminent, Christianity has adopted the secular ethos of “whatever”. It’s a lot easier to to declare …”whatever, believe whatever you want”… especially since their ultimate reward is eternal hell. “Whatever” is not a solution, it it is a diversion, it is the political equivalent of “love the sinner, hate the sin”. The truth is, when either side’s absolute truth is threatened they will be a fight to the death. Truth matters and is worth fighting for.
Mutually assured destruction may not be imminent for our society, but it is a present reality for families and churches. On a personal level, absolute truth is nitroglycerin, mishandle it and family, friends, spiritual bonds can be destroyed.
The challenge for me, a believer in absolute truth, is how to properly handle Absolute Truth. In considering that challenge here are some thoughts I am pondering in hope of developing proper procedures for the safe handling and use of Absolute Truth.
I found one writer’s puzzle metaphor helpful.
If all existing truth (ontology) were represented by a jigsaw puzzle, what we know (epistemology) would only be a few pieces from the puzzle. This means that what we know can only be known in varying degrees of probability, since after all, we only have a small portion of the entire puzzle—we are always drawing conclusions based off of partial information. (Zachary Broom)
Reality is, what I hold as absolute truth may well be true but it’s not absolute. Ironically , my “absolute truth” is only a few pieces of the puzzle, but mishandling it has dire consequences.
As my friend said when asked if he believed in absolute truth, “Yes, but not absolutely.” The first and foremost rule in handing absolute truth is “Handle with Humility”. The essence of truth is perfection. The essence of our humanity is imperfection.
The thought that humility is the first step in safe handing of absolute truth does not give me much optimism. It does, theoretically, give Christians an advantage in handing absolute truth.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2 – NIV
More to come, lots of questions.
Still on the Journey