Truth can be a funny thing. What is true for you isn’t necessarily true for me. And even what is true for me could eventually change to be untrue. For instance, when I was a kid I hated beetroot—I was petrified of the red liquid stains that resulted from even minor table misdemeanours. Also, even though it wasn’t green, it had a decidedly salad taste to it!
But if you were to say that I hate beetroot you would be telling a porky. As I’ve aged my tastes have changed and I now love a side of beetroot on my plate. The truth about my view of beetroot has changed, and some truth is like that. It is relative and subjective, a sliding scale.
Two definitions of truth
But it is important to know that not all truth is like that. I’ve heard it said that there is ‘beetroot truth’ and ‘bus truth.’ Beetroot truth is fluid, changing from different perspectives. One person says beetroot is a culinary delight, another despises the air they breathe.
Bus truth however, is rigid. If you step out in front of a fast moving bus there are no differences of perspective that can help you, no debates that can soften the consequences. A bus truth is a truth that is irrevocably, immovably, omnisciently true.
It is important to make this distinction because otherwise, logical conclusions based on different definitions of the same word can lead us into trouble. A similar word that is often cited as an example of this is the word ‘Love’. The expressions ‘I love you’ and ‘I love beetroot’ use the same word but with entirely different depth of meaning.
Sorting out the truth
It is often said that many paths lead to God, that what is true for you isn’t necessarily true for someone else. But while there are many beetroot truths that could be cited to back up this logic, I think we are dealing with the wrong definition of truth.
A truth cannot be diametrically opposed to itself—something can’t be both black and white.
John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Jesus didn’t say He was a way, or a truth, He is the way, the truth. Jesus is making a claim to be a Bus Truth, a truth that is decisively absolute.
But I have to ask myself—how does He back this claim up?
And the answer is, He fulfilled over 300 ancient prophecies foretelling intimate details of His life, performed multiple eyewitness-attested miracles and ultimately defeated death itself by rising from the grave.
I think Jesus gave us some compelling reasons to believe His claim to the truth.
Thomas Devenish lives in Hobart, Tasmania. He works as a motion designer and enjoys the diverse experiences life has to offer, from wake-boarding to curling up with a good book on a rainy day.
Thomas Devenish’s previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/thomas-devenish.html
Thomas Devenish lives in Hobart, Tasmania with his wife and two daughters. He works as a motion designer and enjoys the diverse experiences life has to offer, from chasing tennis balls to curling up with a good book on a rainy day. Thomas Devenish’s previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/thomas-devenish.html