The Unyielding Nature of Truth
In a world where perspectives and opinions are constantly shifting, one concept remains steadfast: truth. The question of what constitutes truth has puzzled philosophers and theologians for centuries, but the answer is deceptively simple. Truth is merely “telling it like it is.” When Roman Governor Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” he didn’t wait for a response. Instead, he acted on his own understanding of truth by declaring, “I find no fault in this man” (John 18:38).
Defining Truth
Truth can be defined as “that which corresponds to its object” or “that which describes an actual state of affairs.” Pilate’s judgment was true because it matched its object; it described an accurate state of affairs. Jesus really was innocent. This definition highlights the absolute nature of truth. If something is true, it’s true for all people, at all times, in all places.
The Exclusivity of Truth
All truth claims are absolute, narrow, and exclusive. Even the claim “everything is true” is an absolute, narrow, and exclusive claim. It excludes its opposite, namely, the statement “everything is not true.” This exclusivity applies to all truths, including religious ones. A debate between Norman Geisler and Michael Constantine Kolenda illustrates this point. Kolenda held up Geisler’s book and declared, “These Christians are very narrow-minded people. They believe that Christianity is true and everything opposed to it is false!” However, when Geisler pointed out that Kolenda’s own book made similar exclusive claims about humanism, the audience chuckled at the absurdity.
Unchanging Truth
Truth remains unchanging even though our beliefs about truth change. Gravity existed prior to Newton’s discovery of it. The earth’s shape didn’t change when we began to believe it was round instead of flat. Our understanding of truth may evolve, but the truth itself remains constant.
Discovering Truth
Truth is discovered, not invented. It exists independent of anyone’s knowledge of it. Truth is transcultural; if something is true, it is true for all people, in all places, at all times. Beliefs cannot change a fact, no matter how sincerely they are held. Someone can sincerely believe the world is flat, but that only makes them sincerely mistaken.
Absolute Truths
All truths are absolute truths. Even truths that appear to be relative are really absolute. For example, “I feel warm on November 20, 2003” may appear to be a relative truth, but it is actually absolutely true for everyone, everywhere that the speaker had the sensation of warmth on that day.
Contrary Beliefs, Not Contrary Truths
We can believe everything is true, but we cannot make everything true. Contrary beliefs are possible, but contrary truths are not possible. This fundamental distinction lies at the heart of understanding the nature of truth.
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