The Church in the Post-Truth Era
I have a book in my library called The Post-Truth Era written by Ralph Keys. The book discusses the prevalence of deception and flat out lying in our contemporary culture. From popular politicians to the next door neighbor, Keys documents how people regularly lie to one another in order to get what they want. I was reminded of Keys book after reading an article in The Rotarian magazine titled The Four-Way Test in a post-truth era. The Rotary club has what is called The Four-Way Test for all things that we say or do. The first of these tests is, “Is it the truth?” How does such a test work in a culture that is “post-truth”? Interestingly enough, the author of the article was still committed to the idea that there is truth. I found that rather encouraging.
As Christians, we have God’s truth revealed for us in the Bible. Jesus said in John 17:17, “Sanctify them in your truth; your word is truth.” We also have the example of Jesus to follow. Jesus also said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father but by me” (John 14:6). On top of that, Jesus said that we can know the truth. He said to those who believed on him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). What does the church do about living in a post-truth culture? We keep on doing the same thing we have always done, speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). The church doesn’t capitulate to cultural standards. Rather, it is the culture that must capitulate to God’s standards. Don’t be shy about telling others the truth. There are many who still believe in truth today.
God bless you, and I love you.
Kevin Cauley