Hierarchy of absolutes ∙∙

Hierarchy of absolutes ∙∙

Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God; the LORD is one. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. – Deuteronomy 6:4-6

John 7:22-23

 22 But you work on the Sabbath, too, when you obey Moses’ law of circumcision. (Actually, this tradition of circumcision began with the patriarchs, long before the law of Moses.)

 23 For if the correct time for circumcising your son falls on the Sabbath, you go ahead and do it so as not to break the law of Moses.

What is Absolute Truth?

Absolute truth is a concept that refers to reality or facts that are fixed, unchanging, and universally valid, regardless of circumstances or context. It exists independently of personal beliefs, feelings, cultures, or perspectives, remaining constant across all times and places. For example, the law of gravity is considered an example of an absolute truth because it is true regardless of opinion or circumstance.

Absolute truth can be discovered through various means. It is revealed in the word of God. It can be accessed through rational thought, careful observation, or scientific investigation. Regardless of how it is discovered, absolute truth remains resolute and unchangeable.

Philosophically, absolute truth is distinct from relative truth, which can vary depending on conditions, experiences, cultural changes, or personal preferences. Absolute truth is viewed as objective, eternal, and foundational, serving as a solid ground for understanding the world and making judgments about what is right and wrong.

Absolute Truth in Action: Fixed Realities

Absolute truth is seen through concrete examples, especially in fields such as mathematics and logic. For example, the statement “there are no round squares or square circles” is an unchangeable fact. These ideas are mutually exclusive and cannot coexist, demonstrating the fixed and unchanging nature of absolute truth.

The Word of God is absolute truth, providing a moral law that is not subject to human interpretation or cultural shifts. This moral law reflects the Father’s unchanging nature and defines what is good, evil, right, and wrong. God is a sovereign King, and the Scriptures are the ultimate authority in His kingdom. Whatever the Bible identifies as sin remains sin, regardless of societal trends or personal opinions.

“The kingdom of God is not a democracy. It is a monarchy. And the King sets the rules of His domain.”

Absolute Truth in Scripture

The Bible not only presents absolute moral laws but also demonstrates absolute truth in its historical accounts and teachings. Throughout human history, people have developed various views of what the afterlife is like. Lord Jesus Christ provides insight in Luke 16 with the story of the rich man and the poor man, Lazarus. The passage describes the realm of the dead as divided into two sections, separated by a vast chasm. On one side are the children of the King, who find comfort, while on the other side are those who are not the Father’s children. While this account is accurate and the absolute truth, it is not exhaustive. Much more is revealed in other sections of Scripture.

When Absolutes Collide: The Hierarchy of Absolutes

What happens when two or more absolute principles come into conflict? In such cases, decisions are made based on a Hierarchy of Absolutes. This hierarchy prioritizes higher absolutes over lower ones, ensuring that the most important principles are upheld.

For example, consider the conflict between the Sabbath rest law and the command to circumcise on the eighth day. Circumcision, which was instituted for Abraham (Genesis 17:9-14), is explicitly commanded to occur on the eighth day after birth (Leviticus 12:3). However, the law of Moses also emphasizes the importance of observing the Sabbath. What happens when the eighth day is also the Sabbath? Circumcision takes precedence, as Jesus Himself explained in John 7:23: “For if the correct time for circumcising your son falls on the Sabbath, you go ahead and do it.”

The principle of prioritizing higher absolutes underscores the importance of wisdom and discernment in navigating complex moral and spiritual challenges. It reminds us that while all of God’s laws are significant, some may take precedence depending on the context.

Mutual Submission and Absolute Truth

In our relationships, we often face decisions that require us to prioritize unity and love over personal preferences. Just as we navigate the hierarchy of absolutes in moral and spiritual matters, we must also learn to defer to one another with humility, fostering harmony and connection. The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 2:3: “Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself.”

REFLECT & PRAY

Questions to reflect on. Are there areas in your life where you have confused personal preferences or traditions with God’s absolute truth? How can you practice mutual submission in your relationships, focusing on unity rather than personal desires? Are you willing to let go of man-made traditions or preferences that hinder your relationship with God and others?

Father, help me to discern the difference between Your absolute truth and my personal preferences. Teach me to honor Your commandments above all else, while granting others the freedom to hold their own standards and traditions. May I learn the art of mutual submission, treating others with humility and respect. Guide me to live in harmony with those around me, reflecting Your love and grace in all that I do.

INSIGHT

Absolute Truth vs. Personal Standards and Traditions

Absolute truth stands as a fixed, unchanging reality that transcends individual beliefs, cultural norms, and personal preferences. It is universal and objective, existing independently of human interpretation. In contrast, personal standards, preferences, and man-made traditions are subjective and vary from person to person or group to group. While everyone is entitled to their own preferences and practices, no one is entitled to their own version of truth.

Unfortunately, many of us blur the lines between these categories. Man-made traditions, in particular, often become deeply ingrained in our identities, shaping how we see ourselves and our relationship with God. This idea is humorously captured in the musical Fiddler on the Roof, where Tevye declares, “Because of our traditions, everyone knows who he is and what God expects him to do.”

However, the Lord Jesus Christ made a clear distinction between man-made traditions and the absolute law of God. He also revealed the dangers of elevating human traditions above divine commandments. He said in Matthew 15:3: “And why do you, by your traditions, violate the direct commandments of God?”

Jesus further rebukes those who confuse human traditions with God’s law, as seen in Mark 7:6-9: “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’ For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition.” Then he said, “You skillfully sidestep God’s law in order to hold on to your own tradition.”

Jesus’ words expose the key issue: people often substitute their traditions and personal standards for the Father’s absolute commandments. This confusion not only distorts the truth but also creates barriers in our relationship with God and others.

The Problem with Personal Standards

Personal standards are simply individual preferences, what we like and dislike. They can cover everything from trivial matters, such as room temperature and favorite foods, to more critical lifestyle choices. While these standards are valuable to us personally, they aren’t universal truths to be imposed on others.

When we mistake our preferences for divine laws, we create arbitrary expectations for ourselves and those around us. This can lead to judgment and conflict. For instance, disagreements over minor issues, such as how well-done meat should be or which ingredients should be included in a recipe, can escalate into unnecessary tension and division.

The main issue stems from our tendency to expect others to share our preferences. This behavior strains relationships and fosters anger, separation, and isolation.

The Solution: The Golden Rule and Mutual Submission

The solution to these conflicts is straightforward: the Golden Rule. We must give others the same freedom to hold their personal preferences as we expect for ourselves. This principle of mutual respect is essential for healthy relationships, as shown in Ephesians 5:21: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

Mutual submission is not about domination or complete surrender. Instead, it involves a commitment to give-and-take, where both parties work together to find balance and harmony. This relational skill requires practice, humility, and a willingness to prioritize unity over personal preferences.

When personal preferences, traditions, or standards clash, whether between a husband and wife, parent and child, or friends, the goal is not to “win” but to promote understanding and cooperation. This approach reflects the heart of Christ, who calls us to treat one another with love in humility.

A Practical Extension: The Serenity Prayer

The principle of mutual submission aligns beautifully with the wisdom of Reinhold Niebuhr’s Serenity Prayer. This prayer reminds us to approach conflicts with discernment, recognizing when to stand firm on absolute truths and when to set aside personal preferences for the sake of peace and unity.

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

Truth, Preferences, and Relational Harmony

Absolute truth is unchanging and universal. It helps us understand reality and serves as a reliable standard that remains constant, regardless of time, culture, or personal opinion. Personal preferences and traditions, on the other hand, are subjective and prone to change. They depend on personal experiences, socialization, and generational preferences.

The hierarchy of absolutes reminds us to prioritize core values such as love, compassion, and unity over lesser concerns. By aligning our lives with God’s unchanging truth and practicing mutual respect, we can navigate conflicts with wisdom and grace. This approach reflects God’s eternal nature in everything we do. Let us strive to live in a way that honors both the truth of God’s Word and the dignity of others.

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© Dr. H 2025