In recent months, the word “Truth” (with a capital “T”) has appeared in giant letters (8 cm high) in local newspapers. I was encouraged that someone still believes in truth in our post-modern world. The smaller print explains that local journalism is a trusted source of this precious commodity.
That claim smacked a bit of arrogance to me as I suspect that even journalists don’t have a monopoly on truth. But I do respect their desire to be objective even though their bias comes through loud and clear quite often. It is revealed in their choice of topics and titles, the amount of space they allow for articles, and the size of the photos that accompany them. The perspective and worldview of newspaper editors is usually quite clear.
So, how can we really know what is true and what is not?
What is truth?
The Roman governor Pontius Pilate made this question famous when he asked it face-to-face of Jesus. Sadly, he didn’t find it and a short while later sentenced Jesus to a horrible death by crucifixion.
As you might expect, the Bible is not quiet on this topic. The word “truth” appears 228 times in the NIV (New International Version) of the Bible. Here are four examples from the words of Jesus taken from John’s Gospel
* Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
* Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.“ (John 14:6)
* Jesus prayed, “… Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
And finally, just before Pilate asked his question, Jesus had said, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37) So, we see that Jesus made some pretty incredible truth claims. But, are they true?
Pathways to truth?
In his book “Confident Faith”, Mark Mittelberg describes six pathways people take in their search for truth. Some take the “relativistic path” which assumes what they choose to believe becomes truth (I have my truth; you have yours). Some take the “traditional path” which passively accepts what parents and teachers pass down to them as true (I’ll just believe what I’m told). Some take the “authoritarian path” which simply accepts what a powerful or charismatic leader tells them is true (if he or she said it, it must be true).
Mittelberg continues that some take the “intuitive path” which trusts inner instincts or feelings to determine truth (I’m following my heart and just feel it’s true). And some take the “mystical path” which believes in experiences in which they feel God communicates truth directly to them (God told me it’s true). Mittelberg concludes that some of these pathways can be helpful but all have weaknesses and flaws which can also lead people astray.
He then advises a sixth pathway. “The evidential path relies on logic and evidence to help us determine what to believe. Logic and evidence are two inescapable, God-given tools for determining what is true.” As a believer, Mittelberg believes that logic and evidence will open our hearts to the One who said “I am the truth”.
At that point, the Spirit of God draws us to Himself, gives us the assurance of our salvation, and assures us that we have found the truth.
Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.
