There is an old saying that “what is true for you may not be true for me”. That is often used when discussing morality, religion, and/or certain social issues. That is referred to as “subjective truth”.  But is there such a thing as subjective truth? Or to put it another way, can truth even be subjective? The so-called subjective truth is based on a person’s beliefs or opinions; his or her perspective. In fact some respected philosophers claim that all truth is subjective.

I believe quite the opposite. I believe no truth can be subjective. I believe that truth can only be objective and un-changing or it’s not truth at all.  What people refer to as subjective truth is merely their “interpretation” of what is true. Let me give you an example that I’ve used in sermons.  If I go into a kindergarten class and ask them if I’m short or tall, they would tell you that I’m tall.  If I walk onto the court of a pro basketball team and ask them the same question their answer would be the opposite; to them I appear short.  Which one is true? Neither. The truth is that I’m 6’2” tall. It is their perspective, their interpretation of that truth, that affects their answer.

The Bible is true. It is absolutely true. It is the truth.  It is unchangeable, immutable, truth.  It cannot be changed for this generation, it wasn’t different for the last generation, and it will not be different for the next. Jesus, Himself, said “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6).  A person’s perspective will determine their adherence to that truth, but it doesn’t make it any less true.

So when it comes to religion and morality I’ll let the Word of God guide my actions.  That may not be popular and it may draw the ire and disdain of this present world, but I’ll hold firmly to it. As Paul said in his letter to the Colossians,  “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8).

Say good things about your Savior and about His Church.

Bro. Tony