When Jesus was on trial before the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, there was a moment in their dialogue that might sound surprisingly similar to many contemporary conversations on religion:
Jesus: “…I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
Pilate: “What is truth?”
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(c.f. John 18:37-38)
Pilate’s words predate postmodernism by about two thousand years, but his critical handling of truth seems straight out of a postmodern textbook. Though there appears to be a growing recognition in our culture that postmodern relativism in terms of truth doesn’t hold up under scrutiny, relativism in the religious sphere still seems to be an ideal for many. For example, it is common today that when a Christian tries to tell a non-Christian about the truth taught in the Bible, they are often politely rejected with a comment saying, “I’m glad you found something that works for you.” Similarly, Christians today who hold fundamental religious convictions from the Bible are often condemned for their strict adherence to their faith. Both of these reactions to Christians reflect a spirit of relativism in our culture when it comes to religion.
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However, if relativism doesn’t work in matters of science, why should it come into play in terms of religion? If 2 + 2 = 4 is accepted as absolute truth in mathematics, why should humans not seek to understand what is absolutely true when it comes to God? Now, granted, an agnostic might offer a defense claiming that we can’t know with any certainty the absolute truth about God. But is that true? The agnostic claim is understandable, but if it is not true, then it should be set aside and the pursuit of religious truth should be continued. In fact, the agnostic’s claim is exactly what the quote above from Jesus addresses. Jesus said there in John 18:37 that he came into the world to testify to the truth. In other words, Jesus is claiming that he was sent by God from outside this created world to come here and to reveal to us religious truth.
It is my prayer that our culture will engage the truth claims of Christianity. Instead of dismissing them as relativistic, my hope is that they will actually hear and consider them. More and more it seems that the next generation’s knowledge of the content of the Bible is increasingly small. One study shows that 62% of non-Christian Millennials have never read the Bible, even while their rhetoric against the Bible seems to be increasing, with 27% of that group believing that the Bible is dangerous and 19% believing it is irrelevant for today. In conversations with non-Christians, it often seems that the same people who refer to Bible-believing Christians as ignorant, are often the ones most ignorant themselves of what is actually in the Bible. I urge all non-Christians to hear and consider the truth taught in the Bible.
So, how do you go about exploring the truth claims of the Bible? Well, for starters, you could pick up a Bible and start reading it. For beginners, I recommend starting with the Gospel of John, and then moving on to the book of Romans. Of course, I especially urge people to go to a church where the Bible is actually read and taught, so that they can have help in properly learning and understanding the Bible. Another option is you could attend a Christianity Explored class in your area.
Don’t believe the lie of our age that says absolute truth must yield to relativism when it comes to the knowledge of God and religion. Instead, give heed to Jesus who came to this world to testify to the truth. Be on the side of truth, and give ear to Jesus’ teachings!
About the author: Rev. Reid Hankins is the pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Novato, CA.
