Absolute Truth

The Thousand Digits of π

Absolute - Free from imperfection; A value or principle regarded as universally valid or viewed without relation to other things.

The only thing changeable about π is the number of decimal points used to show the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. The formula is absolute for any circle and its diameter. While the formula is absolute, , the result will vary only in decimal points, most usually shown as 3.14159, but the equation has not been completed to the final decimal. There are many other such formulas regarded as valid – absolute truths.

What is truth? (John 18:38b KJV)

Pilate’s question referred to Jesus’ answer to his earlier question:

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. (John 18:37 KJV)

There is an opposite to believing in absolute truth. Relativism is a doctrine that states there are no absolute truths, i.e., that truth is always relative to some particular frame of reference, such as a language or a culture. For the Relativist, truth will fluctuate between times, places or persons. Christianity requires absolute truth – God is, now and forever, as is His son, Jesus, the Christ.

The following is part of the closing to Cardinal Ratzinger's (Pope Benedict XVI) address during the meeting of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, held in Guadalajara, Mexico, in May 1996, entitled "Relativism: The Central Problem for Faith Today":

If we consider the present cultural situation, about which I have tried to give some indications, frankly it must seem to be a miracle that there is still Christian faith despite everything, … the complete, serene faith of the New Testament and of the church of all times.

It does seem miraculous that New Testament Christianity has existed for more than two thousand years.  That the gospel is repeated in pulpit after pulpit, Sunday after Sunday:

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11 KJV)

That’s only one verse out of sixty-six books in a Bible that we believe contains absolute truths.

Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:5-6 KJV)

Consider now whether or not absolute truths exist. If not, why not? If so, what are they and how should they impact lives? Did Jesus give truth? Is that truth central in our lives? Why?

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24 KJV)