The question posed to Jesus from Pilate is as relevant today as it was then, “What is truth?” We are living in what is being referred to as a post-truth culture. What does that really mean and what effect does living in a post-truth culture have on the way we think and live?Oxford defines post-truth as an adjective “relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.”
According to Barna’s research, 44% of people define truth as something felt, or relative, while only 35% of people regard truth as something known, or absolute. Many people believed that this trend would be limited to politics and media, but the ripple effect of our post-truth culture is directly impacting our families.Students are no longer looking to their Bibles, churches or parents for truth, but rely mostly on the media and their own feelings to shape their worldview. Feelings are subject to change and can deceive us at times, so they are not our ultimate measure of truth. Truth is reality; it is factual, valid, faithful and reliable.
As the battle between facts and feelings continues, where can we find absolutes in a post-truth culture? In Psalm 119:160, the psalmist writes, “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” God’s word is the definition of and authority on truth, not our feelings. John 16:13 reminds us that the Holy Spirit is the Revealer of all truth, and that He leads us and guides us as we read His word. Jesus said, “I am the way, the Truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but by me.” John 14:6In light of the ever-changing landscape of our truth-less culture, the importance of having a solid biblical worldview cannot be overstated.
It is a critical issue with thousands of young people walking away from their faith because they do not know how to defend it. Please be praying for families across this nation to rise up and teach truth in their homes and communities. Hopefully, you will strongly consider starting an Anchorsaway class in your community. If you are willing, we ask you to consider taking the next step by learning more about facilitating a class or by getting trained online to teach. Your faithful prayers, offers to help out in our office and financial support allow us to reach hundreds of students every year. Please continue praying and giving to us in any way you can. You make a huge difference in our ministry. Every dollar raised matters. Click here to donate.
We have much to do in continuing to build partnerships with the ministries and churches that God is bringing to us. I believe that when Christian ministries and churches come together and share with one another, God will bless the Church and those who will grow in an authentic relationship with Jesus.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15Thank you so much.
Blessings and much love!
Nancy