In which we try not to argue over our differences about the truth on truth.
What is truth?
And does anybody have a lock on it?
The preacher? The scientist? The scholar? The engineer? The psychologist? The shaman?
Furthermore, can you trust them?
Not easy questions to answer.
There are so many competing claims and different approaches.
Can we REALLY know the truth? I think we can. And to help me answer that question, a while back I asked my friend Rob Powell to help.
He agreed and knocked out three posts on truth: Absolutism, Pluralism and Scientism. [See below.]
I then pulled together some more posts dealing with the question “what is truth?”
Perhaps you’ve seen them before. If so, skim through each for a little refresher course on truth.
If you haven’t seen these posts before, walk through them slowly and then let me know what you think.
In the end, we might disagree. My hope is that I at least get you to think. And I promise to do the same for you.
Enjoy the list!
Absolutism (What You Need to Know–and Why)
Is truth absolute? Or is it relative and merely based on personal preferences? There has to be a right answer, right? There is.
Pluralism (What You Need to Know–and Why)
On the surface pluralism seems like a reasonable explanation for the diversity of faiths we see. Look below the surface and it’s not.
Scientism (When You Shouldn’t Trust a Scientist)
Science is awesome. It provides us with great party tricks and is the most predictable way to study the world. But what is it? And can it ever go wrong?
Pragmatism (Where It Breaks Down and Why You Should Care)
Pragmatist argue that it’s necessary to check our religious beliefs at the door when we debate issues. Unfortunately, that can’t work.
The Blind Men and a Queer Animal
In an ancient parable, dozens of hermits and scholars are making conflicting claims about reality. Who was right? D. None of the above.
The Blissfully Plastic Moral Base of Humanism
What does the meaningless, value-absent creed of humanism have to offer? It might surprise you.
How to Answer “That’s Just Your Interpretation”
What are we to do when people say, “Well, that’s just your interpretation?” when we present them with moral or biblical truths? Here’s what you say.
How to Deal with Religious Conflict
What beliefs create peaceful behavior and deal with the discord of religion? Here’s the answer.
Hard Questions: How to Make Sense of the World
Answer these seven questions and you’ll discover what’s at the bottom of all your thoughts about God, yourself and the world.
What Camus and Frankl Can Teach You about the Meaning of Life
Is it possible to find meaning in life without God? Albert Camus and Victor Frankl think so.
Russel’s Tea Post, Snuggies and Talking Frogs
What’s the difference between God and an imaginary teapot–and where does this cute little analogy ultimately break down? Take a look.