Critical Thinking for Leaders-4

Getting Started

This week’s devotion takes a closer look at truth and relativism (postmodernism). First, watch the two-minute video(new tab)  for Dr. Norman Geisler’s explanation of how truth is defined. Another way we see the concept of truth identified in literature as it pertains to worldview discussions is “absolute truth.” Absolute truth simply means that something is true at all time and in all places, regardless of circumstances. Dr. Geisler’s example of “1+1=2” represents absolute truth. Many in our culture today reject the notion of absolute truth in favor of “your truth is not my truth,” another of Dr. Geisler’s examples. However, the very idea that there is no such thing as absolute truth is a fallacy. Theologian Francis Shaeffer once put it this way: “…we should note this curious mark of our own age: the only absolute allowed is the absolute insistence that there is no absolute.” In other words, when you hear someone say that there is no such thing as absolute truth, that individual actually is making a statement that he or she believes to be absolutely true. Contradictory, isn’t it?

Background Information

There is an old story about several visually impaired men who were asked to describe an elephant. Based on where they stood in proximity to the elephant, each came away with a very different description. So, would we say that each man’s truth was “his truth” in defining the elephant? Or, would we understand that the elephant physical characteristics defied each man’s individual perspective?

Dr. Mark Eckel, in speaking to an IWU class on the subject of worldview and truth, stated this: “The most important lesson I learned in doctoral studies is both simple and essential: as soon as I ask a research question, I have biased my own research. Why? Because every question comes from a commitment, a belief, my own viewpoint. So, for every question, I must ask a counter question. I must flip the script. I must acknowledge and challenge my own assumptions and the assumptions of those who would question mine. By no means does this process suggest there is no Truth. On the contrary, the very nature of asking questions and challenging assumptions is predicated upon the most basic assumption of all: a source of Truth exists. We measure our ‘truths’ by Truth, our assumptions by what is Real. By ourselves, we are left to ourselves, unless there is an ultimate, unique Reality where Truth resides” (M. Eckel, personal communications, July 13, 2018).

Instructions

1. Review the information in the Getting Started section.

2. Watch the 3-minute video:  Truth and Relativism? (Postmodernism)(new tab)

3. Write a one-half to one page reflection paper (Word document) that shares your key takeaway from the assigned video. Do you agree or disagree with Dr. Geisler’s assertion that relativism (also known as postmodernism) is not really a viable approach to truth? Why or why not? Is it possible for some people to hold “their truth” that is different from others’ truths? Or might they be referring to something other than truth (such as opinion or perspective)? Then, using a Bible, find three different passages that address truth. How are these passages relevant to you personally, professionally, and/or spiritually?