What Is Truth? Is Truth Relative or Absolute?
Introduction: Why Truth Matters
We begin this series by addressing one of the most foundational—and contested—questions of our time: What is truth?More specifically, Is truth relative, or is it absolute? Though often posed as a philosophical inquiry, the implications of this question are deeply spiritual, moral, psychological, and societal. The way we define truth determines how we understand our origin, meaning, morality, and destiny—a framework popularized by apologist Ravi Zacharias and grounded in both Biblical revelation and philosophical anthropology.
“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” — Proverbs 12:19 (ESV)
In the modern age, the denial of objective truth has led to moral chaos, spiritual confusion, and existential despair. The rise of relativism is not just an intellectual trend—it is a theological rebellion. When Pilate asked Yeshua, “What is truth?” (John 18:38), he echoed the skeptical voice of our age—one that is uncomfortable with the idea of absolute, divine authority.
1. Defining the Terms: Relative vs. Absolute Truth
What Is Relative Truth?
Relative truth asserts that truth is dependent on individual perception, culture, or societal norms. According to this view:
- Truth is subjective—what is “true” for you may not be true for me.
- Morality is fluid—what is “right” or “wrong” is based on personal or societal consensus.
- Language and meaning are deconstructed—there are no fixed definitions.
This form of truth is prevalent in postmodern philosophy and is influenced by thinkers such as Michel Foucault, who argued that truth is a function of power structures rather than objective reality.
From a behavioral science perspective, relativism may seem compassionate because it emphasizes inclusivity. However, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and moral development theories (like those by Lawrence Kohlberg) show that humans need objective reference points to mature emotionally and ethically.
“Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” — Judges 21:25 (TLV)
What Is Absolute Truth?
Absolute truth is the belief that truth is:
- Universal – True for all people at all times.
- Objective – Not based on opinion or perspective.
- Unchanging – Independent of culture or circumstance.
The Bible presents truth as rooted in the character of God. Yeshua declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Here, truth is not merely a concept but a Person—truth incarnate.
Biologically, our cells function according to fixed, absolute laws. Gravity is true whether or not we believe in it. In the same way, moral and spiritual absolutes remain constant regardless of personal belief.
“Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” — John 17:17 (TLV)
2. Why It Matters: The Four Pillars of Worldview
Our concept of truth shapes our entire worldview, particularly in four critical areas:
Origin: Where do I come from?
- Relativism: You’re the product of random biological processes; therefore, life has no intrinsic value.
- Absolute Truth (Biblical View): You are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God (Psalm 139:14); therefore, you have infinite worth and purpose.
Meaning: What is the purpose of life?
- Relativism: Meaning is self-defined or socially constructed.
- Absolute Truth: True meaning is found in knowing God and fulfilling His purposes (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Matthew 22:37–40).
Morality: How do I differentiate between right and wrong?
- Relativism: Right and wrong are culturally or personally defined.
- Absolute Truth: Morality is grounded in God’s eternal law (Psalm 119:160; Romans 2:14–15).
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.” — Isaiah 5:20
Destiny: What happens when I die?
- Relativism: There is no certainty, or the afterlife is subjective.
- Absolute Truth: Judgment is real, and eternity with or without God is determined by one’s response to Yeshua the Messiah (Hebrews 9:27; John 3:16–18).
3. Relativism Refuted: Logical and Scientific Problems
A. Logical Self-Defeat
- To say “All truth is relative” is a self-refuting statement. If that statement is true, then it must also be relative—and therefore not always true.
- Truth, by nature, is exclusive. Two contradictory claims cannot both be true at the same time in the same sense.
B. Biological and Psychological Evidence
- Neuroscience confirms that the brain craves coherence and pattern recognition—truth-seeking is neurologically wired.
- Developmental psychology demonstrates that children raised without objective boundaries often struggle with identity formation, impulse control, and moral reasoning.
- Studies in moral injury and trauma show that denying reality (e.g., abuse, sin, injustice) causes psychological distress.
4. Theological Foundations of Truth
In Biblical Hebrew, the word for truth is אֱמֶת (emet), which combines the first, middle, and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet—implying truth encompasses everything from beginning to end. Emet is closely related to faithfulness, reliability, and stability (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 31:5).
In Greek, the New Testament word for truth is ἀλήθεια (aletheia), meaning unconcealed or reality unveiled. It implies that truth is not hidden—it is revealed through God’s Word and ultimately through Yeshua Himself.
“For the Torah was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Yeshua the Messiah.” — John 1:17 (TLV)
5. Messianic Perspective: Yeshua and the Revelation of Truth
Yeshua (Jesus) is the embodiment of truth. In Him, Torah (instruction), prophecy, and grace converge. He does not merely teach truth—He is the Truth. The relativistic mindset rejects Yeshua’s Lordship because it refuses to submit to any authority higher than self.
The Messianic faith affirms that truth is not determined by shifting human cultures but by the unchanging Word of God(Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). As Messianic believers, we do not conform the Bible to culture—we conform culture to the truth of the Bible.
“Buy truth and do not sell it—wisdom, instruction and insight as well.” — Proverbs 23:23 (TLV)
6. Conclusion: Choose the Rock, Not the Sand
Yeshua’s parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24–27) illustrates the point. Building your life on relative truth is like building on sand—shaky, unstable, and doomed to collapse. But building on the rock of absolute truth—the Word made flesh—is a sure foundation.
In a world screaming “your truth,” the Scriptures whisper “The Truth.” One truth. One Savior. One way to God.
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32 (TLV)
Suggested Reading
- Zacharias, Ravi. Can Man Live Without God? Nashville: Word Publishing, 1994.
- Koukl, Gregory. The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important That Happens in Between. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2017.
- Lewis, C. S. The Abolition of Man. New York: HarperOne, 2001.
- Moreland, J. P., and William Lane Craig. Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2003.
- Copan, Paul. True for You, But Not for Me: Overcoming Objections to Christian Faith. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2009.
One thought on “What is Truth? Is Truth Relative, Or Is Truth Absolute?”