Relative Truth

September 9, 2018

Jesus Ruins Everything
Relative Truth 

1. What does truth look like in our world?

Truth Definition:
That which is true or in accordance with fact or reality

Even with Truth meaning: in accordance with fact or reality, we can disagree with WHAT truth actually is.  Every view of truth that I know of fits into 2 categories: Is truth Absolute or is it Relative?

Absolute Truth would say that for any question, there is an absolute truth answer, whether you know that answer or not. Absolute truth means that truth is real and it exists outside of ourselves.

Relative Truth would say that what truth IS is how its perceived. It says that views are relative to differences in perception. There is no universal, objective truth - each point of view has its own truth.

Absolute Truth
Philosopher Sir Roger Scruton
“All discourse and dialogue depend upon the concept of truth. To agree with another is to accept the truth of what he says; to disagree is to reject it.”

Relative Truth
Author Robert Anton Wilson
“Is,” "is," "is"—the idiocy of the word haunts me. If it were abolished, human thought might begin to make sense. I don't know what anything "is"; I only know how it seems to me at this moment.” 

Opinion definition - 
A view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.

Absolute truth says you choose to believe something because you believe it is fact.
Relative truth says you believe something, therefore it IS fact.

In our world today, the vast majority of people believe in Absolute Truth. There are actually very few respected philosophers who even give Relative Truth the time of day.

The scientist and evolutionist, Richard Dawkins said

"I think we face an equal but much more sinister challenge from the left, in the shape of cultural relativism - the view that scientific truth is only one kind of truth and it is not to be especially privileged”.

The philosopher Hilary Putnam said
If there is no truth beyond an individual's belief that something is true, then an individual cannot hold their own beliefs to be false or mistaken.

2. What does Jesus say about Truth?

John 14:6
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

HE Himself IS that absolute truth.

John 18:37

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.

The point of this sermon today, is to change the way we see truth from something that we DECIDE ON to instead be what it is, something we SUBSCRIBE TO.

John 8:31-32
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 1:14
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

3. How do we handle the idea of Truth in our lives?

If God is truth, and the Bible is truth, what does that mean for us?

1. Our emotions are not reality
2. Our Opinions are just that
3. We cant always stay away from conflict
4. We can’t be lazy about finding what is right

5. We have to have a healthy idea
of what Tolerance and Love actually are

Communication Card
- I will base my truth on God, not what I deem to be true.
- This week, I will spend time praying through the following things I have seen as truth and will talk with someone in my life group about them.