Who Gets to Define Truth?
On the night before the cross, Jesus told Pilate that He had come into the world to bear witness unto the truth. Pilate answered with a question many people still ask, often with the same shrug: What is truth? (John 18:37–38). Then he walked away from the One who is the truth.
Every worldview must answer Pilate's question. Where does truth come from? Who gets to define it? Is it the same for everyone, or does each person or culture decide for itself? How we answer shapes everything else: what we believe about God, how we read the Bible, how we handle our emotions, and how we respond when culture says one thing and Scripture says another.
Whatever matches reality as God knows it and has defined it. Truth is rooted in God Himself, revealed in His Word, and the same for every person in every place.
This study rests on three convictions. Truth is discovered, not invented. God's Word is the final authority. And feelings never determine truth. Each one is under pressure today, and each one is essential to defending the faith.
When Scripture disagrees with culture, who do you side with?
Loading the rest of this article
For Deeper Study
- Thy Word Is TruthAmazon Edward J. YoungA classic, readable defense of the inspiration and authority of Scripture; its title is John 17:17.
- Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-AirAmazon Francis J. Beckwith and Gregory KouklA clear, short answer to the claim that truth and morality are relative.
- A General Introduction to the BibleAmazon Norman L. Geisler and William E. NixA standard reference on inspiration, canon, and the transmission of the text.
- Love Thy BodyAmazon Nancy PearceyHow Scripture answers today's cultural claims about identity, sexuality, and the body.
- Foxe's Book of MartyrsAmazon John FoxeThe classic Protestant record of those who died for the faith, from the early church to the English Reformation.
As an Amazon Associate, Theologica earns from qualifying purchases.
The Inspiration of Scripture
All Scripture is breathed out by God. The Holy Spirit carried the human writers along so that every word they wrote, in every part of the Bible, is the very Word of God.
Open Doctrine