No one cares about being fair and honest. The people’s lawsuits are based on lies. So there is no justice among us, and we know nothing about right living. We look for light but only find darkness. We look for bright skies but walk in gloom. Our courts oppose the righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed. Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who renounces evil is attacked. Isaiah 59:4, 9, 14, 15 (NLT)
This group of verses from a passage in Isaiah reads like the current state of our culture, yet it was written over 2500 years ago. Truth is under attack, along with the values and beliefs of the Christian faith, just like it was before the fall of Israel and Judah in the Old Testament. Therefore, it is extremely important for Christians who practice apologetics, and share their faith, to understand the importance and meaning of truth.
Truth is based on reality
Men stumble over the truth from time to time, but most pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened. -Winston Churchill
Imagine telling your doctor that the prescription he just gave you, due to your diagnosis of diabetes, was only his truth not yours. Just because he believes in insulin does not make it true for you. Then, one week later you are at the hospital in a diabetic coma because you ignored the truth of your condition!
Most people would consider that stance very foolish. The truth of a diabetic diagnosis and the need for insulin would not be up for debate. Truth is easily seen in this case because it matches reality—the reality of your diabetic coma and imminent death without life saving insulin!
What is the difference between a truth claim in a medical diagnosis and that of a religious or moral one? Most people would say religious views are subjective or relative: “If it works for you great, but it’s not my thing. What is true for you is not true for me.” This is called Relativism.
Can we know truth?
Del Tacket, in production with Focus on the Family, put together an excellent twelve part series called “The Truth Project.” Check out this short introductory clip that asks the question: What is Truth?
We demand truth in virtually every area of our lives and from people we trust:
- Doctors—we want the right diagnosis and the right prescription or treatment
- Bankers—we want the right information about our money
- Courts—we want truth in justice
- Employers—we want truth and fairness in the workplace
- Public transportation—we want truth in safety and travel
- Loved ones—no one wants lies from a spouse or child, and we demand truth in our personal relationships
Part of the problem is our use of the word truth. Truth is that which corresponds to reality. Reality is the thing you run into when you find out you have been wrong. Reality is “something that exists or happens” regardless of what anyone thinks about it, and it is the inevitable result of any action.
“Blind faith” is a term often applied to Christianity because many people see it as a preference not based on truth, but that is not how a Christian should view their faith. Christianity is based on evidential truth, just like insulin is an evidential truth as a life-saving treatment for diabetes.
In the same way Jesus offers us “life saving insulin” when He says:
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” -John 14:6
Eternal life and forgiveness of sins (the insulin) are freely given by Jesus, yet there are many who walk away from Him never receiving this life saving gift. How about you? Have you received the life saving prescription offered by Jesus?
Many people in our culture today have adopted the ‘whatever’ theme and are willfully ignorant and apathetic about truth, except when it comes to money or their own tangible items.
-Dr. Frank Turek, Author of “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be An Atheist”
Watch Dr. Turek’s 48 minute presentation: Does Truth Exist?
Reflection
- Why do so many people have a problem with Jesus’ statement in John 14:6 concerning Him being the truth and the only way to eternal life? How do you respond to that statement?
- How do you view your faith, is it: Evidently true, one of many truths, true for you but maybe not others, etc.? Explain your reasoning:
- Focus prayer: Talk to God expressing the truths you know about Him—(it’s OK to express honest doubts and ask questions as well – ask Him to help you find answers).
Bible Study
Each week we will do a study in the book of Romans to practice our Bible study skills. This week read (or re-read) Romans chapter 10, then answer the following questions:
- How do we attain righteousness versus how we should not? (10:1-12) Copy verse 10:9 as a memory verse.
- Paul emphasizes the importance of sharing the good news of salvation through Jesus, the promised Messiah, with everyone. Paul also describes faith that comes through hearing, but many Jews refused to hear. What does Paul say about those who might say they never heard? (10:13-21)
- There may be different levels of knowledge about God, but do any of us have an excuse for not knowing something about God? Cross-reference with Romans 1:18-20.
Join us next week as we continue our “Case for Christianity”
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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.
Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.
Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.
Teri Dugan
TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com
1 Peter 3:15
Thank you. I feel blessed to have ben introduced to your blog.
Thank you for your comment!