Truth and...(1)

...Conversation

Let's have a conversation about truth.

Pontius Pilate asked Jesus this question: "What is truth?" (John 19:38), but he failed to carry on the conversation. If there was ever a time to hear the answer, it would have been then. If ever there was an individual to whom that question should be addressed, it would be Jesus. But I have a feeling Pilate was not looking for Jesus to answer seriously. Rather, he was mocking Jesus for thinking He had the truth. In fact Jesus not only had the truth, but He has the truth; He is the truth.

This series of articles is intended to point out why truth matters, and for the sake of illustration, let's consider the age of the earth as an example. What is the true age of the earth? There is an objective answer to this question. There is absolute truth in this regard. And I would argue that it matters. Whether we can find the answer or not is not the issue. What is at stake is the truth. And we need to be willing and able to have conversations about the truth.

A conversation is "An informal discussion of a matter of fact" or "The spoken exchange of thoughts, opinions, and feelings." Notice that the former definition has to do with objective truth (a matter of fact), whereas the latter definition can be lesser matters (opinions) or subjective truths (feelings). Sadly, in our society / culture, there is not much conversation about objective truth. The problem with this reality is that not all objective truth is sure and settled in everyone's mind. Consider the following example:

It is objectively true that Abraham Lincoln was President of the United States in the nineteenth century. Many adult Americans have this objective truth settled in their mind; but many elementary age children do not. Thus the objective truth is taught to them in school. There may be some conversation about it (the historical events surrounding the objective fact), but regarding the fact itself, there is not much about which to converse.

Now, taking the previous example regarding the age of the earth, there is an objective truth in that matter. Secular scientists will give a range of ages, down to a hundred thousand years or so. But that's not the exact answer, not nearly as exact as Abraham Lincoln's presidency. Thus, there is opportunity for authentic conversation about the truth. At this point in the article, that's all I want to point out. Opinions on and evidence in support of the truth in this particular matter are not so settled. So let's converse and settle the matter so far as we are able.

Truth and conversation. Are you willing?