Truth and...(4)

Context

When engaged in conversation about controversial truths, in order to minimize conflict and confusion, and in order to make sense out of apparent contradictions, the most important element is undoubtedly the context.

One can use the Bible to support just about any view by taking words out of their intended context. For example, I can proclaim that the Bible says, "Fear God!" And someone else can proclaim that the Bible says, "Do not fear." And it is true that the Bible makes both of those statements. So, some might say, "Clearly the Bible makes all kinds of contradictory claims. It's an untrustworthy text." People must understand the principle of hermaneutics whereby context is important!

When a sportswriter comments, "The Cardinals killed the Wildcats," after UofL defeats UK in football, the context helps us to understand that a bunch of red birds did not swoop down and maul to death a number of wild felines. The same is true for the Bible, for other published works, and for any conversation. How often politicians get misrepresented when their comments are taken out of context!

Truth and context... truth and contradiction... truth and conflict... truth and confusion... truth and conversation... Next we'll look at truth and consequences. And finally, next week, we'll conclude with truth and contingencies.