Objectivity, Absolutes, and Truth

Objectivity, Absolutes, and Truth

Your word is truth. – John 17:17

Psalms 119:142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is truth.

Psalms 119:160-162

 160 The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.

 162 I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure.

The phenomenon of political leaders engaging in deceit or obfuscation is hardly a novelty in contemporary history. Yet, the emergence of US presidents who frequently engage in falsehoods or exhibit confusion is somewhat of a new twist. As we navigate the tumultuous, roaring 2020s of the 21st century, polarization and protests are ripping the nation apart. College campuses are becoming hotbeds of tension with the rise of anti-Semitic and pro-Palestinian activism (Matthew Pressman).

In our current climate, it’s crucial to recognize the influence of confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is a psychological phenomenon that leads individuals to favor and seek out information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs. As a result, the Left and Right often rely on different sources of information. It’s crucial to understand that accusations of bias are not one-sided, with each side accusing the other of misinformation.

In November 1969, the notion that the news media was biased towards liberalism became entrenched in the beliefs of the Right. This view was catalyzed by speeches from Spiro Agnew, Vice President under Nixon. Agnew accused the “elite” media of permitting their personal biases to shape both the choice and portrayal of news stories.

The Left is equally convinced that the Right presents biased perspectives. In 1995, First Lady Hillary Clinton championed the phrase “vast right-wing conspiracy” to characterize the allegations of scandal regarding her husband, President Bill Clinton, and Monica Lewinsky. The Left often points out instances where right-leaning media outlets present biased perspectives under the guise of objectivity, particularly when it comes to reporting on social issues, politics, and science.

Can journalists be expected to report the news objectively in such a climate? Should they even make the effort?

Not. We have entered what has been dubbed the era of post-objective journalism. Rather than being objective, post-objective journalism is more interpretive or subjective, driven by the journalists’ biases and perspectives.

What is objectivity?

Objectivity is maintaining neutrality and impartiality by not allowing personal feelings, biases, interpretations, or prejudice to influence the presentation of information or decision-making processes. With such an objective foundation, judgments can be based on factual evidence and logical reasoning, free from personal or societal biases.

So much for journalism!

Sadly, many today have embraced post-objective theology and post-objective biblical interpretation.

What is absolute Truth?

Absolute Truth is universally constant, unaffected by time or location, and comprises unchanging facts. Absolute truth is valid at all times and in all places.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion but not their own truth” (Lutzer).

Father thank You for intervening in my life and opening my eyes of my heart to the absolute Truth of the Word of God. Indeed, Your word is Truth, life-changing Truth.

INSIGHT

One of the most important decisions anyone has to make is whether there is absolute Truth. If your answer is yes, the next step is to determine what absolute Truth is.

However, in the postmodern era, absolute Truth is often rejected. It is replaced by “truths” that are relative and subjective. Instead of interpretations grounded in sound biblical hermeneutics, interpretations have become merely personal opinions, that is, “truth” for now.

The Bible claims to be the absolute Truth, “The truth about God” (UBS).

John 17:17 Your word is truth.

Jesus did not say, as so many do today, “Your word contains truth,” but “Your word IS truth” (BBC).

The Greek word translated as truth is alētheia. Alētheia has the sense of conforming to reality, implying dependability. Alētheia is true in itself and derived from the true God (Zodhiates).

Interestingly, the Greek term used is not an adjective (as in “your word is true”) but a noun (alētheia, meaning “truth”). This implies that God’s Word isn’t merely aligning with an external standard of “truth.” Instead, the Word embodies Truth itself. Thus, it sets the standard of Truth by which all else is evaluated, compared, and judged (ESV notes).

Psalms 119:142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is truth.

The Hebrew word translated as truth is emeth. The word emeth means reliable, stable, believable, trustworthy, lasting, secure, or permanent. In essence, emeth is true and dependable and can be trusted and believed.

The word of God provides absolute Truth regarding all things it touches upon. Of utmost importance is the dependability of the Bible and the Father Himself. Father never changes and is unwavering in all that He is. He is faithful and consistent in character and actions. Therefore, He can be trusted and depended upon at all times and in all circumstances.

The faith of every child of the King depends upon the fact that He is Truth, and His promises can be trusted. His word is unchanging and absolute Truth. It has a tremendous impact.

John 8:32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

In Daniel Defoe’s “Robinson Crusoe,” Crusoe discovers a Bible among shipwreck debris. But he only opens it when he becomes ill. Reading the Word marks a crucial turning point, leading to a significant perspective transformation. He kneels and prays for the first time since he’s been shipwrecked.

Previously indifferent to religion, his reading of the Bible sparks a profound spiritual awakening. He enters into a relationship with the Father. He recognizes that the shipwreck was the Father’s plan to bring him to repentance.

The Bible becomes a source of comfort and guidance, helping him face solitude and ensuring his survival. It profoundly impacts the transformation of his character towards greater trust in the Father and satisfaction.

Psalms 119:77 Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight.

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© Dr. H 2024