What is "Truth"?

Because this is a 'religious' segment of the PF, it is necessary to place this question in relation to 'religion'. Therefore, from a perspective of those people on the forum who consider themselves to be 'religious' (believers in a Supreme Being, Creator of all that was created ... IE... Theists); What is the religious meaning of the word 'truth'?

From my own perspective as one of those 'theists', I would have to say that "truth" is best expressed by the passage of scripture in the Bible that states (in the KJV) "..I am the way, the truth and the life." [accredited to having been said by Jesus, speaking of Himself]. I believe that what is being expressed is the idea that 'truth' can best be recognized through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and can be learned through His teachings.

What is your religious perspective on the word "truth"?

 

The majority of religious belief, aint TRUE!

people that believe in some separate 'god' would be pagen, truth be told of course.

perhaps start with 'no false witness', then it is easy to avoid false truth

such as

Matt 16:20 Then did he charge his disciples that they may say to no one that he is Jesus the Christ

I find that is true.

but not all of bible:

for example:

Revelation 4
1After these things I saw, and lo, a door opened in the heaven, and the first voice that I heard [is] as of a trumpet speaking with me, saying, `Come up hither, and I will shew thee what it behoveth to come to pass after these things;'

2and immediately I was in the Spirit, and lo, a throne was set in the heaven, and upon the throne is [one] sitting,

3and He who is sitting was in sight like a stone, jasper and sardine: and a rainbow was round the throne in sight like an emerald.

4And around the throne [are] thrones twenty and four, and upon the thrones I saw the twenty and four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and they had upon their heads crowns of gold;

5and out of the throne proceed do lightnings, and thunders, and voices; and seven lamps of fire are burning before the throne, which are the Seven Spirits of God,

6and before the throne [is] a sea of glass like to crystal, and in the midst of the throne, and round the throne, [are] four living creatures, full of eyes before and behind;

7and the first living creature [is] like a lion, and the second living creature [is] like a calf, and the third living creature hath the face as a man, and the fourth living creature [is] like an eagle flying




No god on no throwns....... that is for the pagens!

i dont believe YOU

how can a person be 'truth'?

truth is based on what others can measure, truth is not a person

well, we can see............ that aint 'truth'

that which is real

Or............ "what is true to existence"

 

That which is objectively in accord with the One Supreme God of the Universe.


It's not something we can know fully, but it is something we can know of, and move closer toward.

Here's how I see it:

Objectively contrary to Truth<==========>Closer to Truth===========>Limit of human knowledge of Truth=========================>TRUTH



All religion/philosophy falls somewhere in that red area on the continuum.

 

This scripture sums it up:

"And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free." John 8:32

Bondage is from men, whether it be physical slavery or even from the religious bondage of men's dogma. Those who have been set free by the Truth, are free indeed...

 

hence knowledge is always evolving.



from pharoahs, to ahkenatan (who perhaps is moses), to confucius, to jesus, darwin, to maxwell, than a bit of enstein................but to combine them all apocolyptic (unveiling); the last word, is the name of the BOSS

each generation did have limitations. We all know that.

Heck the bable is just a compilation of many opinions in itself

but today, 'we the people' (mankind) have the internet. Meaning a child could know more than all of mankind, during the first century combined from a single book and read it in a week

Or how about, the best philosophy of human compassion and personal responsibility found and put into ONE line:

do unto others as you have them do unto you (confucius simplified)

it's a fine philosophy


and within that, do you want to be 'lied' to? Else YOU will be judged!

 

One of the best albums ever made.

 

i agree.

John, Jesus and many said, it is coming!

Exactly!

And that 'truth' is equal to all that exists; nature itself (god)

 

Well, so far, we have all submitted opinions on what their 'religious perspective' of "truth" is, but the question is still unanswered in any way that one could say,,, look here is truth and that recognized truth be the same to every man woman and child across the globe. One says that truth can be viewed on a continuum type of perspective (which in effect gives gray areas of 'truth' mixed with something that is not truth... another says that all of nature is truth, which places limitations on truth because of those things referred to as phenomena (things which cannot be explained by the laws of nature); while yet another recognizes truth as being the name of some group of single person on a stereo album; then finally there was one who proclaimed that 'truth' will set you free. . . that may be true (viewed from the secular side), however it does not say what truth is.

Hopefully someone will jump into this little discussion and provide an explanation of 'truth' that will afford all of us more understanding.

 

Oh...I get it...this is going to be one of those threads that you tend to make where you are looking for a specific "type" of answer...How about doing us all a favor and give us a hint.

BTW--I didn't say truth was on the continuum--I said Truth is one end of the continuum--absolute Truth. What I said was...

God is Truth, and anything objectively in accord with God is truth

 

Well, thank you for that clarification. So the continuum thing is not really 'truth', but just a way of describing a potential pathway and what might be encountered on that pathway to truth? Now for another point that IMHO needs clarification: What is "in accord with God"?

No! I am not looking for any specific answer, and I have already stated what my religious perspective on the subject of truth is. My perspective is that which is stated in the OP and in the Bible verse that was partially quoted. No games or semantics.

 

yes.

God as he is--what we cannot fully know, because his ways are not our ways, but which has been revealed throughout recorded time and before. Logic and reason can help us discern the truth of God and come closer to His Awesome Truth. So, "in accord with God" is that which is objectively aligned and in agreement with the objective reality of God (whether we know it is correct or not).

Good--then we are apparently in agreement. it just appeared like you were starting up a "chase your tail" thread. I apologize for being snippy.

 

So, can it be concluded that no-one can determine what 'truth' really is?

If as the previous poster suggested "God is truth", and God cannot be proven to exist, then it would infer that 'truth' also cannot be proven to exist. If as another poster suggested, that nature is truth, then truth cannot be complete because nature does not offer an explanation to some physical phenomena... thus leaving the ability of nature to be imperfect and subsequently making 'truth' imperfect.

Come on folks... surely someone out there can give a reasoned explanation of 'truth' than cannot be disassembled and shown to have imperfections.

 

See...that's the "chase your tail" thing...

You asked, "What is the religious meaning of the word 'truth'?" And now you want to challenge the "natural explanation."

What really is your point? What is it that you want to discuss.

Also--I'm not sure how anything has been "disassembled." You asked for personal perspectives. How do you "disassemble" opinions? You can show how they might be flawed, but you didn't ask for any logic--you just asked for perspectives.

 

Addressing your closing statement first. No need for apologies. Sometimes it is better to be cautious when dealing with people, because people do fall under the influence of outside forces that some people simply don't comprehend or simply refuse to accept the existence of such forces. I commend you on taking such caution.

The only other issue I would address with regard to your post is your reliance on the phrase ".. objective reality of God.." You, me and other Christians can easily look upon the temporal world and see and witness that 'objective reality of God' in and through all that exists, but that is where a problem (major problem) exists with regard to those that cannot see or witness that objective reality of God. Even by implementing the supposed perfection of logic and reason, the objective reality of God cannot be apprehended in such a way as to give substance to God. Likewise, 'truth' is ever so evasive. Some say that science is a quest for 'truth'. That would seem to be a futile quest when so few, if any, can even give a comprehensive explanation of what 'truth' is.

I respect your input on this subject and do not intend any dishonor to what you have stated. I merely point out that IMHO, it is lacking as described in the previous paragraph.

 

On the contrary, because of the llimitations of language, it's utterly impossible, wherefore Christ Himself could do nothing more with His words than talk all around it. I do not expect the OP to understand this any time soon.

 

On the contrary. I do understand what you are saying and will therefore remind you that "Christ" did not "talk around it".... In fact Christ instructed Jesus to declare "..I am the way, the truth, and the life.." That is not 'talking around it'; that is striking at the heart of the matter.

 

IMO the religious meaning of the word 'truth' is an absolute belief. This goes for Atheists as well. My reasoning is that no human has the answer to the universe.

Well...you support my POV that religious 'truth' is based on belief.

 

Obviously, I cannot argue against that position, as most certainly, my position is based on 'belief'. Because of that belief, I am not bound by all of those man-made restrictions imposed by such things as laws, rules, and regulations that are not in accord with the Word of God.

 

In regards to truth, my favorite passage of Scripture on the issue of truth doesn't even mention the word. Many are familiar with Romans 1:

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

I like Felicity's chart because it demonstrates how creation is orchestrated to orient us to the truth. For those who grope toward the light, God provides multiple tiers of revelation beginning with the earth and the stars. Even pagans, wiccans, and others can be said to be more intelligent than atheists because they look at creation and realize a greater power must have made all this. If they continue down the path of revelation, they may eventually come to the supreme knowledge of God in Jesus Christ.

"We see in a mirror dimly", St. Paul tells us, "but then face to face. I know now in part, but then I shall know as I am known."

We grope around in darkness, but only some seek out the light. Truth is a journey and the end of that journey is a loving, eternal relationship with our Creator. God speed us toward that end!

 

Truth means truth - there's no special religious meaning of the word. But in all cases you found some truth you also found god. With religious words I would say: "Truth is the fullfillment of love" - so noone should live in fear of truth and noone should be in panic to search for truth.

http://youtu.be/0bph6MqJgNM
http://youtu.be/pLAptb-dgLY?t=2m46s

 

its incorporeal

I agree. Nature is GOD; comprehend HER and you know yourself!

 

You're very close:

Romans 1:18-22:
18For God's [holy] wrath and indignation are revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who in their wickedness repress and hinder the truth and make it inoperative.

19For that which is known about God is evident to them and made plain in their inner consciousness, because God [Himself] has shown it to them.

20For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification],

21Because when they knew and recognized Him as God, they did not honor and glorify Him as God or give Him thanks. But instead they became futile and [a]godless in their thinking [with vain imaginings, foolish reasoning, and stupid speculations] and their senseless minds were darkened.

22Claiming to be wise, they became fools [professing to be smart, they made simpletons of themselves].

 

how about 'exactly' and in fact, 'truth'

hence liars work overtime to continue the deceptions.

it is why, i can seem to be kind of ticked; It is them liars that will continue to mislead, even when they know the 'truth' is slapping them in the face

exactly.

Each know mother nature provides EVERYTHING but liars will continue to deny 'god' (mother nature itself)

i agree. Mankind has had many good honest people write the 'truth' of 'things' in words, which are the intelligible and clearly discernable and describing 'natures' words. For example; Darwin representing the 'tree of life' and idiots discount the facts, because it ruins the beliefs of liars.

exactly!

Idiots like the magical garbage and senseless speculations, when it is purely true to know, you breath HIS (natures) oxygen, just to survive.

You are a part of 'him' (HER; nature), whether you like it or not.

Exactly! The wingnuts work with an overdrive of selfish pride!

They think they know, but actually are the most simple of the tons of minds based on their own choice of ignorance.

For example: A child, can do more with an iPhone, than wingnuts can even comprehend.

 

This poster claims to be a proponent of the truth, but in fact is the one that this scripture points the finger at!

As the scripture states, "Let God be true and all men be LIARS"

I'm afraid you just spilled all your dirty laundry AGAIN, out for all to see....and while trying to point a finger at others, have indeed pointed 3 fingers back at thineself!

 

If one accepts 'truth' as an unwavering, irrevocable & absolute principle, without change, then it can be applied to both the physical as well as the spiritual, but often with qualifications that define the application.

Physical Laws are partially 'true' under certain situations, but have been questioned or qualified, such as occurs with quantum applications. Man ONLY knows part of the 'truths' of the physical world and surrounding universe in which he lives.

Spiritual 'truths' are recorded in scripture, but altho inspired by the Creator, are still written and communicated by men. With some 'truths' being purposely hidden from men as 'mysteries' until the time of revelation by the orginator of them, who is said to "hold all in all." Scripture also states that "we know in part, but will know in total when the perfect comes.," which I understand to be the new Heaven & new Earth following the purging of this creation at the end of 'our' present time. Time is relative as is 'eternity,' and only One can comprehend the ALL outside of the limitations & restrictions of 'time.'

And so, 'truth' is absolute, but must be qualified as to the particular application and circumstances. As a spiritual example: Breaking God's laws is sin & leads to spiritual death; but God's Grace removes the death sentence as if the sin was never committed.