Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
John 8:32
A few years ago, I heard senators in the Kavanagh hearing say, “It’s her truth, and that’s all that matters.” I asked myself, “What does that mean? She (Christine Blasey Ford) is accusing Kavanah of rape and either he did it or he didn’t.”
If her truth differs from his truth, someone’s truth is not true! The truth of what happened that night is objective…he did or didn’t do it. How can any rational person believe otherwise?
And yet, the claim that there is no objective truth is being taught in many universities across the country, and it is seeping into the culture.
The claim comes from a desire for personal autonomy, saying things like “Don’t tell me…I will decide who I am, what I am, where I go, what I do, what I believe, what I think, and what is true. And if you don’t accept me the way I am, you are intolerant.”
In many ways, tolerance has become more important than truth.
Table of Contents
Two Kinds of Truth
There are two kinds of truth: objective and subjective.
Objective truth is rooted in the object. Subjective truth is rooted in the subject (the individual) and can differ from person to person.
Objective truth doesn’t change because I decide it’s not true. For example, look at these two statements and choose which one is objective and which one is subjective:
- Chocolate is made from cacao seeds.
- Chocolate tastes better than pizza.
One statement is opinion and, therefore, subjective (chocolate tastes better than pizza). The truth of it will differ from person to person.
The other statement (chocolate is made from cacao seeds) is objective and can only be true or false. No one gets to decide if it’s their truth.
You may disagree that chocolate tastes better than pizza because that is a matter of opinion or preference. Still, if you claim that chocolate is made from mud because you don’t like chocolate and you don’t like mud, that doesn’t make it true.
The truth is, either chocolate is made from cacao seeds, or it’s not. But it’s not made from mud because you say it is.
Everyone believes in some objective truths. So, to say there is no objective truth is quite ridiculous.
Question to Ask Someone Who Says There Is No Objective Truth
Another way to approach someone who claims there is no objective truth is to ask them if the statement, “There is no objective truth,” is objectively true.
In other words, how can they claim their statement is objectively true without objective truths?
At this point in the conversation, the goal is to help the person who says there is no objective truth to see how what they are saying doesn’t make sense.
The person is really saying that they want to decide what is objective and subjective. We especially see this when it comes to matters of faith.
Subjective vs. Objective Truth
On some level, autonomy is about subjective truth. You do get to decide what you believe and what you like, think, and do.
On the other hand, we live in a world with the rule of law. So, if you decide to break the law, you may suffer the consequences if caught. The law doesn’t care what you think or don’t think is true or right.
And you still have to adhere to objective truth all around you. You don’t get to decide that:
- 1+1=3
- Cats bark
- The speed limit is 50 mph if the sign says it’s 30 mph
- Grass is purple
- Cheese comes from the moon
However, you do get to decide if you:
- Like or dislike math
- Want a cat for a pet
- Obey the speed limit
- Cut your own grass or hire it out
- Buy cheese at the store
But if you think that everyone must think like you or else they are intolerant, you will live a miserable life (I suspect that no one would go that far).
On the other hand, matters such as whether God exists or not are divisive and cause people to think others are intolerant if they disagree with them.
Why is that?
God’s Existence: Subjective or Objective Truth
Regarding the claims about God’s existence, God is the object. He exists, or He doesn’t. It’s not a matter of opinion.
The same is true with the Bible; it’s either God’s Word or it’s not.
And Jesus is the Son of God or He isn’t. He came to die for the sins of the world or He didn’t. He is the only One who can give us eternal life or He can’t.
You can’t argue whether it’s an objective claim or not. You can’t say it’s true for you but not for me. That makes no sense.
You can, however, choose whether you believe it or not, and you can share with others why you believe what you do. You can even tell them what you believe is true, but you can’t decide for them.
So, why is objective truths about God so divisive? Why the vitriol and accusations of intolerance?
Final Thoughts
To say there is no objective truth is a subjective claim and has no merit.
Furthermore, we have objective truth all around us that people accept. And this is another reason to reject the idea that there is no objective truth.
However, in objective statements about faith, people are free to accept or reject them. But what they decide doesn’t reflect whether the statements are true or false.
Lately, I have found that politics and matters of faith are the most contentious and divisive. And in most cases, the things we fight over are related to objective truths.
Source: Cold-Case Christianity: Quick Shot Responses to “There are No Objective Truths”
What a thought-provoking post, Lynn! Your exploration of the distinction between objective and subjective truth is both insightful and relevant, especially in a society where the concept of personal autonomy sometimes overshadows the importance of objective truths. I appreciate how you presented clear examples, such as the distinction between the subjective preference of chocolate over pizza and the objective fact that chocolate is made from cacao seeds. Your analogy about the rule of law and how certain aspects of life require adherence to objective truths adds depth to your argument.
I’m curious to know, Lynn, how do you think we can bridge the gap between the emphasis on personal autonomy and the acknowledgment of objective truths in our culture? Additionally, you mentioned that politics and matters of faith are often contentious. Can you share your perspective on how a better understanding and appreciation of objective truths could potentially contribute to more constructive conversations in these areas?
David
Hi David, thank you for your response. Your questions really make me think and any answer will not be entirely sufficient.
Realistically, I don’t know how we will bridge the gap but if people would tell the truth and communicate objective truths based on evidence instead of their bias, their emotions, and their experiences (not that any of those things are wrong unless you hold them up as objectively true), it would go a long way in having constructive conversations in all areas, including matters of faith and politics.
And if people would understand and acknowledge the difference between subjective and objective truth. If they would acknowledge that their opinions, biases, beliefs, and preferences (autonomy) are subjective, and quit demonizing others who have different opinions, biases, beliefs, and preferences. That would be a start.
Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening.
Beyond that, all we can do is tell others through writing, word of mouth, even songs maybe…in hopes that they will gain understanding and treat others with the dignity and respect we all deserve.
Lynn