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Dose of Truth

    by Brent Barnett

Postmodernism Versus Absolute Truth
Date Posted: September 6, 2006

There is much debate about the nature of truth. Postmodern philosophers tell us that truth is relative and subjective. In fact, they openly admit that truth is something that the elite establishes. In other words, what is true is whatever celebrities, politicians, Ph.D’s and CEO’s, for example, say is true. To go against them, they argue, would be wrong. Yet do they have a write to say that somebody else is wrong to not share their view on truth and morality if there is no absolute truth to begin with? Does it even make sense for them to say that absolute truth doesn’t exist in the first place?

When someone tells me that there is no such thing as absolute truth, I ask them if they are absolutely sure about that. If they say that they are, then they have acknowledged that absolute truth exists. They have admitted that it is absolutely true that absolute truth does not exist. They have made an absolute statement that there is no such thing as absolute truth. If there is no such thing as absolute truth, then they cannot possibly make an absolute statement like this. Thus, in order to support their position, they must acknowledge absolute truth to exist. Their only other option is to say that absolute truth does not exist, which directly refutes their assertion. Whether they say absolute truth exists or does not exist, they have been defeated. This is the self-defeating nature of a belief in relative truth.

Some postmodern philosophers try to do away with logic altogether, since it is based upon truth. Logic allows us to make inductions, deductions, and conclusions. It allows us to prove things and make scientific inquiry. It allows language to function and learning to take place. Yet postmodern philosophers would like to undo logic altogether. Obviously, undoing logic undoes the Bible’s worth because then the Bible could not be understood, read, or properly interpreted and applied because logic is relative. Yet they are hypocrites because they are using logic and reasoning to say that logic doesn’t exist. They use propositional arguments and absolute truth to undermine truth and logic itself. This may well be the highest form of illogic and irrationality.

What is more amusing still is that they have the audacity to tell those who believe in absolute truth and logic that they are wrong to do so, especially if the particular issue has to do with anything related to morality. Postmodern philosophers tell Christians that they are foolish to believe in right and wrong and moral imperatives. Yet how can they, who believe in no truth and no morality, invent a morality that says that we are wrong? How can those who say that there is no such thing as wrong (in a relative world all must be right in its own way) tell us that we are wrong? It is the ultimate irony and manipulation of words, truth, and logic.

The only way they are finding to undo the fact that Jesus is the only way to God is by saying that it doesn’t even make sense to make such a statement in the first place. Modern philosophers have failed to defeat the credibility of the resurrection, the reliability of the Scriptures, and the identity and existence of God and Christ. Postmodern philosophers try to do away with all the arguing whatsoever. They just want us to believe nothing except that they are absolutely right to believe in nothing, though they most certainly believe in something. They believe in postmodernism, relative truth, in their own morality, and in anything that attempts to discredit Jesus and the Bible. Unfortunately for them, they cannot do away with truth, no matter what they try. Truth is everywhere. Truth is in Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, which precisely models the absolute relationship of the speed of light, mass, and energy. Truth is in gravity which always makes things fall to the ground. Truth is in biology, in which the genetic code points to a designer. Truth is in conversation where mankind has gone to war over words. Truth is in mathematics where two plus two does not equal anything but four. Words matter, truth matters, and logic holds true. Jesus is truth, and as long as He exists, which will be forever, truth will exist. We can’t use truth to argue away truth. Truth is fundamental to existence as long as we hope to be thinking beings. The universe is etched with truth. It cannot be escaped, though it can be suppressed. Such is what man does when he doesn’t want to accept reality. Yet he will be judged based upon ultimate reality.

Some postmodern philosophers have the nerve to say that religious proselytizing ought to be wrong and thus made illegal. They argue that since truth is relative and everybody can have their own opinions that to tell somebody that they are wrong is unethical. They want to simply let every person seek his or her own way with the only limitations being what they themselves impose. The problem with relativism is that somebody has to reign over the chaos. Thus, those who are the strongest and most powerful rule societies that have no absolute truth. Democracy can’t function in a relative world. Without truth, how can a society be unified? How can a family structure be sustained? How can an economy operate on uniform business standards? If we live based upon each person doing what he or she wants to do, chaos will erupt. Whether we like it or not, there is a standard to which we must conform or we will be judged for our rebellion. This is why we must evangelize. Evangelism is God’s mercy going out that despite man’s rebellion and seeking after his own way. God is willing to forgive because of the sacrifice made by Christ. Man must only repent and conform to the truth that he already knows in his conscience. Even in a postmodern world, Christians must still bring the absolute truth of the gospel of Jesus who absolutely existed, died for man’s sins, and rose again. Man must deal with truth, whether he likes it or not.

"He who practices the truth comes to the Light," said Jesus (John 3:21). It is no wonder that Satan has made such an assault on truth. When the antichrist comes, he will cast truth to the ground (Daniel 8:12). He will invent his own truth and define himself as truth. The bottom line is that we can’t make up truth. Any move away from absolute truth, in church or society, is a preparation for the antichrist. We must submit to the truth, whether we like what it implies or not. Only the truth will set us free.

If you enjoyed this article, you will also like Brent's book on revival called Catch Fire: A Call to Spiritual Awakening.  Please visit http://www.relevantbibleteaching.com for more information.

"God's Words For US" from Cecelia Lester

Grace

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Biography Information:
Brent Barnett is founder and author of the Bible teaching ministry, Relevant Bible Teaching, found on the web at www.relevantbibleteaching.com. He has authored Catch Fire: A Call for Revival and Times of Refreshing: 100 Devotions to Enrich Your Walk with God. Brent's greatest joys in life are his wife Sarah, his daughter Anneke, and his son Kyler.