In review, truth is something that agrees with reality.
Note: This is the sixth article in the What Is Truth? series. Previous articles are always available at http://www.webbweekly.com.
Universal truth agrees with universal reality. It is truth that applies to everyone, everywhere. It is truth of first importance, the map that guides us to true north and allows us to live at peace with the universe. It is indisputable law.
Communal truth agrees with common reality. It is truth that applies to everyone living in a shared context or contract. It is truth of second importance, the compass that guides us to magnetic north and allows us to live at peace within our communities. It is disputable belief or doctrine. See Romans 14.
Personal truth agrees with inner reality. It is truth that specifically applies to an individual within their unique journey. It is truth of third importance, the mirror that guides us to core north and allows us to live at peace with ourselves. It is personal conviction.
In addition to universal, communal, and personal truths, truth can also be simple, complex, and faith-based.
Simple truth is readily accessible; it does not require advanced education or high intelligence. It is practical and applicable. It is often referred to as common sense. Those who are content with simple truth are often criticized for being naïve and unsophisticated. Think hicks and Forest Gump.
Complex truth requires speculative investigation of possibilities involving the sciences and philosophy. It is theoretical, delving into the who-what-where-when-and-how of the vast mysteries of the universe. Those who pursue complex truth are often criticized because they appear ignorant of the simple truths utilized in everyday life. Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes described them as, “so heavenly minded they are of no earthly good.” Think geeks and Sheldon Cooper.
When considering plain and complex truth, Dr. Holmes stated, “For the simplicity on this side of complexity, I wouldn’t give you a fig. But for the simplicity on the other side of complexity, for that I would give you anything I have.”
The trouble with being fully content with simple truth is the loss of knowledge that broadens and opens the mind. God gave us the instinct to question and the ability to investigate because he knew that boundless curiosity would lead us forward in exploration and discovery. When we settle for simple truth, we stop questioning and investigating — and we stop learning and growing.
The pursuit of complex truth, however, can overwhelm us with infinite possibilities. A rather frustrated person recently said to me, “In an infinite universe, there are infinite possibilities — we cannot know anything for certain.” That may be true, but every traveler/explorer/inventor must venture boldly into the unknown by focusing on the knowledge they do have. If our focus is only on what we don’t know, we end up suffering a paralysis of analysis that places us in bondage and keeps us from advancement. This is the basis of Dr. Holmes’ simple-and-complex conundrum. At some point, we must place faith in truth as it is currently known, so it can lead us into the unknown where greater truth is discovered. When we are unwilling or unable to act faithfully on the truth we have, we stop advancing. This leads us to our next form of truth:
Faith truth is transcendent truth. Meriam-Webster defines transcendent as exceeding usual limits; extending or lying beyond the limits of ordinary experience; being beyond comprehension; transcending the universe or material existence. It takes faith to believe something is true and to act on it, even when you cannot prove it. For this reason, faith truth is the foundation of every form of exploration. Faith truth bridges the gap between what we know and what we are confident of through observable evidence.
Every scientist puts faith in observational evidence to support the existence of phenomena they cannot yet prove. Dark matter is just one example. The observable evidence for dark matter is enough to keep them researching, learning, and even acting on it, without being able to directly prove it.
Every Christian puts their faith in observable evidence to support the existence of the God they cannot see or touch. With that faith truth, they step out and take risk. As they act on their faith in the observable evidence for God, they learn more about God. The writer of Hebrews recognized the existence of spiritually observable evidence: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1.
Fellow believer, do not be ashamed of or shrink back from your faith. It is based on the observable evidence God has provided in creation: What may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:19-20.
It is also based on the observable evidence God has placed in your heart. Listen as Paul declares his statement of heart-observable faith truth to Timothy: I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 2 Timothy 1:12
Paul also declared his faith in the observable evidence found in the powerful Word of God: For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12.
Jesus spoke of the observable evidence found in the miraculous peace he gives: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
My friend, faith truth is reasonable and powerful, and it can launch you forward into a life that is abundant and free. That’s what all truth does: it sets you free.
If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32
