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From a message by Jon Alsdorf
In our culture today, one of the most heated battles isn't about politics or science—it's about truth itself. The question "Is truth real?" has become central to nearly every major cultural conversation we're having. Understanding how to navigate this topic is crucial for anyone wanting to engage meaningfully with others about faith and life. What Do We Mean by Truth? Before diving into this conversation, we need to define our terms clearly. When we talk about objective truth, we're referring to statements that are true independent of what anyone thinks, feels, or believes about them. This is different from subjective truth, which is more like personal preferences—how you like your pizza or what music you enjoy. Objective vs. Subjective Truth Water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit at sea level. This is objective truth—it doesn't matter how you feel about it or whether you wish it were different. When Christians say "God exists," we're making an objective truth claim that stands regardless of whether someone believes it or not. What Is Absolute Truth? Absolute truth goes a step further—it's truth that applies to all people, in all places, at all times. Consider how people everywhere, regardless of culture, understand that murder is wrong or that it's better to tell the truth than to lie. These moral absolutes are written on human hearts across all cultures and times. Why Is Truth Under Attack Today? The battle over truth isn't new—it goes back to the Garden of Eden when Satan asked, "Did God really say?" However, several modern philosophical movements have intensified this conflict in our current culture. Four Major Challenges to Truth
Why Do People Reject Absolute Truth? Understanding the motivations behind rejecting objective truth helps us respond with compassion and wisdom. Escaping Accountability and Embracing Autonomy If objective truth exists, we're accountable to it. Many people prefer the idea that they can set their own rules and do whatever feels right. Autonomy—the ability to do whatever I want for any reason—has become our culture's highest value. Being the Author of Your Own Meaning Modern culture tells us we should define our own purpose, meaning, and value. While this sounds empowering, it places an impossible burden on individuals. We simply can't reach high enough to assign our own worth successfully. Confusing Objective and Subjective Categories People often make an unreasonable leap from subjective preferences (like food choices) to objective realities (like God's existence). Just because you can have personal preferences doesn't mean everything falls into that category. Embracing Counterfeit Tolerance True tolerance means treating people with dignity even when you disagree with them because they're made in God's image. Counterfeit tolerance claims all ideas are equally valid—which is both impossible to live by and intellectually dishonest. How Do We Respond to These Arguments? When engaging with people who reject objective truth, we can address their concerns directly and lovingly. The "Social Construct" Argument While some things are shaped by culture, reality itself is not. Chinese mathematicians don't use different math than American mathematicians. Gravity existed before any culture discovered it. Jesus either rose from the dead or He didn't—culture has no bearing on that historical fact. The "All Religions Conflict" Argument Just because different worldviews make conflicting claims doesn't mean we should reject them all. It means we should evaluate them carefully. In every other field of study, conflicting ideas lead to investigation, not abandonment of the search for truth. The "Christianity Is Intolerant" Argument Every worldview makes exclusive truth claims. Science is "intolerant" of wrong theories. The key is that love, humility, and compassion prevent actual intolerance—values that Christianity champions above all others. Five Principles About Truth 1. Relativism Self-Destructs, Truth Is Indestructible The statement "truth is relative" is itself an absolute statement. You cannot deny objective truth without using objective truth. As Scripture says, "The word of the Lord remains forever" (1 Peter 1:25). 2. Those Who Deny Truth Live As If It's Real Even people who claim truth doesn't exist function daily as if it does. They sign contracts, expect fair treatment, and get upset when wronged. They live according to gravity, mathematics, and moral principles whether they admit it or not. 3. Moral Outrage Betrays a Belief in Truth When people express outrage over racism, genocide, or child abuse, they're appealing to objective moral standards. Moral outrage points to a moral law, and a moral law points to a moral lawgiver. 4. All Human Reason Depends on Objective Truth If logic doesn't reflect reality, thinking becomes impossible. The very act of reasoning assumes that truth exists and can be discovered. Paul encourages believers to "let your reasonableness be known to everyone" (Philippians 4:8). 5. The Bible Teaches Objective Truth Is Real Scripture consistently presents truth as objective reality. Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Truth isn't just a proposition—it's a person. God Himself is the ultimate truth and reality. Why This Matters for Faith If there's no truth, then sin isn't real, repentance is unnecessary, the cross is meaningless, and Jesus is merely a life coach rather than a Savior. But if truth is real, then Jesus' claims demand a response. The gospel isn't advice—it's reality to live by, and eternity hangs in the balance. We need to help people understand that truth exists before we can effectively share the truth of the gospel. This requires becoming disciplined thinkers ourselves so we can help others think clearly about these fundamental questions. Life Application This week, commit to building your life more fully on the foundation of God's truth. Stop being embarrassed about the solid foundation of Scripture and instead put the full weight of your life on it. Practice having gentle conversations about truth with friends, family, or coworkers. Remember, you probably won't cover all this material in one sitting—it's about small, consistent conversations over time that help people think more clearly about reality. Ask yourself these questions:
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Apply it!Next Steps is a collection of articles drawn from the sermons of Pastor Jon Alsdorf, and guest speakers, written to help you connect God's Word to real life. Each post is designed to inspire, challenge, and encourage you to live out your faith in practical, everyday ways -- because following Jesus is more than words, it's actions. Archives
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