In my last post I talked about my sermon theme for 2020: TRUTH. I’d like to expand on that a little in this post and then in my next post say a bit more.
A number of years ago a philosophy made its way to the forefront of our culture and eventually into the church. That philosophy was called Postmodernism. It is much more complicated than I am going to tell you, but I don’t want to muddy the waters too much by complicating things.
The basic premise for postmodernism is there is not absolute truth. In place of absolute truth postmodernism said we can trust our feelings. Whatever you feel is the way to go.
Does that sound scary to you? It does to me. Some of you will remember a song by Debbie Boone called You Light Up My Life. It had the lyrics in it which said, “It can’t be wrong; it feels so right. ” When you shake Postmodernism down to its basics it is safe to say that the only absolute seems to be there are no absolutes, and the only truth is there is no truth. It is not uncommon to hear someone say, “You have your truth; I have mine.” Chances are good that our truths will not sync up because we are using two separate platforms. I mean…how can someone who uses the Bible and God’s truth as his/her basis have the same outcome as someone who has no basis for truth whatsoever?
Romans 1:16 tells us the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the truth. But we also read in verse 18 that to suppress the truth always leads to believing a lie. Take out truth and everything is up for grabs. Rebecca McLaughlin in her book Confronting Christianity (my choice for 2019 Book of the Year) quotes Nicolas Kristof, a liberal journalist. See if this doesn’t ring a bell.
We (liberals) champion tolerance, except for conservatives and evangelical Christians. We want to be inclusive of people who don’t look like us-so long as they think like us.
My next post will highlight 4 marks of truth. Meanwhile, ask yourself this question: what or who is the basis for my truth-God’s Word or my feelings?
Truth has been subjective from the very start. What is truth to someone is not truth to another.
Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” John 18:38 – pointing out that one believes what one wants to believe.
I had a notice in my office saying: Perception is truth. I wanted to show my staff that however the customer perceives us, that will be their opinion of us.
Jack Nicholson went further when he said, “You can’t handle the truth!” Which is sadly where we are today.
Many people can’t handle the truth. That is why they feel more comfortable in fake news, social media gossip and the like.
Even Christianity, and God’s Word, is being manipulated by many, and altered to suit the modern world’s selfish desires.
God bless.
You are right Victor. Most people can’t handle the truth. Hence the plethora of false “news” and gossip that spreads.
Bill you hit it the nail on the head and Victor just pounded it the rest of the way in.
I often struggle in dealing with the truth. Truth can hurt… Some people, self included at times, like to deny that there are truths in this world.
I can’t simply believe that when I eat more than I should and not exercise that I will magically lose weight.
I can’t just believe the french fry that is about to be chewed is going to somehow change into a piece of celery on the way down.
Looking forward to your continued thoughts.
Truth can hurt for sure Ryan. But I’m also convinced that even truth told in the right manner can be handled, at least in time. And you mean to tell me those examples aren’t true?
Feelings cannot be trusted, and should never usurp the truth of God. Yes, postmodernism is the devil’s invention to make us go astray. And yet, the liberal “feelers” preach to us about our intolerance? Praying they will wake up to God’s message of truth.
Blessings, Bill!
Unfortunately, we have become a people and nation who believe feelings can be trusted. But you are right…they can’t. And those who want tolerance become the most intolerant when you disagree.
I remember playing “You Light Up My Life” on the piano when I was in high school. 🙂 It was one of the few pieces of “modern” sheet music I had.
But I totally agree with you that the philosophy is flawed in that song. I’m thankful that I don’t have to depend on my feelings to direct my path. What a topsy-turvy world I would be living in. God’s truths are solid ground.
I’m on the same page as you Lisa. our world, even our Christian world, would be all topsy-turvy if we rely on our feelings.
It’s amazing to me how so many folks don’t care about truth or Truth. You can show them with concrete evidence and still they don’t “see” it. Because they don’t want to.
When a person’s life begins to revolve only about how they “feel”, which is emotions, they’ve become a foolish leaf. And here comes the wind.
The sad part is Floyd is we are seeing it more and more. And I love our play on words in your last sentence.
it is amazing how our culture has welcomed untruths wholeheartedly … and we as believers often fall for this trap.
thanks for the gentle nudge to be wary and wise.
bless you …
not only is it amazing it is equally sad Linda. You’re welcome for the nudge. 🙂
Truth is mandatory to staying out of trouble, however it doesn’t always mean you won’t get into trouble. A man who tells the truth cannot be guilty of lying.