Objective Truth Exists

We are living in a time when people think they can create their own version of truth.  We may base our understanding of truth on things such as our own personal experiences, our feelings, the group-think that comes from social media or information we find on the Internet. While it makes sense to gather as much information as we can to understand our world, everything we read, hear, or watch is not true. Some of it is based on incorrect data. Some is purposely deceptive. Some is simply made up but gets repeated so often that it seems like it is true. So basing our understanding of truth on something we read, heard or watch, but that may be untested, may lead us astray.

Though our personal experiences are powerful learning experiences, it is impossible for us to experience everything in the world and even if we could, we would still evaluate those experiences in in light of our personal viewpoint, which may be far more limited than we realize. If we were honest, I think most of us would admit that basing truth on our ever changing feelings only creates chaos. If we had the courage to admit it publicly, we would also admit that basing truth on social media group-think also leads us to be less authentic than we want to be.

Sub-consciously we know all of this. Deep inside we know that basing our understanding of truth on these things will not help us understand what truth really is. Yet, our culture is so focused on each of us creating our own truth that we keep doing it. But perhaps that is starting to change.

Recently I read an article in Time magazine about how science was “winning the vaccine wars.” What I found fascinating about the Time article was that is used factual data, raw numbers and actual research to prove the point it was trying to make. This was in stark contrast to the use of public opinion polls or emotionally charged testimonials that are so often used to decide what truth is. This is not a post about vaccines, so do not let us get sidetracked on that tangent. The point I am making is that there is an objective truth about that subject that transcends opinions, feelings, perceived experiences, etc. Likewise, there is objective truth about pretty much every subject we might want to discuss. The longer our society ignores the reality of truth, the more chaotic society will become. The sooner we embrace the concept that absolute truth exists, the sooner we will be able to find solutions to the many problems that ail our society.

I am reminded of the words of Jesus, who said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father but by me” (John 14:6). As my faith in Christ has grown, so has my understanding of truth. It is a truth that is outside myself and often at odds with the opinions of those around me and the group-think that is controls our current culture. It is a truth that has been tested again and again and again and verified to be truth. This truth has helped me, and countless billions of other people, build happy and meaningful lives. I urge each of my readers to search for the truth. We may be surprised what we find.

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Dr. Terry W. Dorsett has been a pastor, church planter, denominational leader and author in New England for more than 20 years. He is a happy husband, a proud father and adoring grandfather. He is a cancer survivor and believes that God works powerfully through times of suffering. He writes extensively and you can find all of his books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Dr.-Terry-W.-Dorsett/e/B00405U4NY