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Answer
To comprehend absolute or universal truth, we must first define truth. Truth, as per the dictionary, is “conformity to fact or actuality; a statement proven to be or accepted as true.” Some individuals argue that there is no genuine reality, only perceptions and opinions. Others contend that there must exist some absolute reality or truth.
One perspective posits that there are no absolutes that establish reality. Advocates of this perspective believe everything is relative to something else, hence there can be no concrete reality. Consequently, there are ultimately no moral absolutes, no authority for determining if an action is positive or negative, right or wrong. This standpoint leads to “situational ethics,” the notion that what is right or wrong is relative to the situation. There is no right or wrong; thus, whatever feels or seems right at the time and in that situation is deemed right. Naturally, situational ethics fosters a subjective, “whatever feels good” mentality and lifestyle, which profoundly impacts society and individuals. This is postmodernism, shaping a society that deems all values, beliefs, lifestyles, and truth claims as equally valid.
The alternative perspective maintains that there are indeed absolute realities and standards that delineate what is true and what is not. Consequently, actions can be classified as either right or wrong based on how they align with those absolute standards. Without absolutes, without reality, chaos ensues. Consider the law of gravity, for example. If it were not absolute, we could not be certain we could stand or sit in one place until we chose to move. Or if two plus two did not invariably equal four, the repercussions on civilization would be catastrophic. Scientific and physical laws would be inconsequential, and commerce would be unfeasible. What a catastrophe that would be! Fortunately, two plus two does equal four. There exists absolute truth, and it is attainable and comprehensible.
To claim that there is no absolute truth is illogical. However, nowadays, many individuals are adopting cultural relativism, which rejects any form of absolute truth. A pertinent question to pose to those who assert, “There is no absolute truth,” is this: “Are you absolutely certain of that?” If they respond “yes,” they have made an absolute declaration—which inherently suggests the presence of absolutes. They are asserting that the very notion that there is no absolute truth is the sole absolute truth.
In addition to the issue of self-contradiction, there are various other logical hurdles one must surmount to accept the notion that there are no absolute or universal truths. One such hurdle is that all humans possess limited knowledge and finite minds and, therefore, cannot logically make absolute negative assertions. An individual cannot logically state, “There is no God” (despite many doing so), because, to make such a claim, one would need to possess absolute knowledge of the entire universe from its inception to its conclusion. Given that this is unattainable, the most one can logically assert is “Based on the limited knowledge I possess, I do not believe there is a God.”
Another issue with refuting absolute truth/universal truth is that it contradicts what we recognize to be true within our own consciences, experiences, and observations of the real world. If absolute truth does not exist, then there is no ultimate right or wrong regarding anything. What may be “right” for you does not necessarily equate to being “right” for me. While this form of relativism may seem attractive on the surface, it essentially implies that each person establishes their own set of rules to abide by and acts according to what they deem right. Inevitably, one individual’s perception of right will eventually clash with another’s. What if it is “right” for me to disregard traffic signals, even when they are red? I would be endangering numerous lives. Or I might believe it is acceptable to steal from you, while you may disagree. Clearly, our moral standards are in conflict. In the absence of absolute truth, no standard of
Right and wrong hold us all accountable; without them, certainty is unattainable. Individuals would have unrestricted freedom to commit crimes such as murder, rape, theft, deception, and more, with no one able to declare these actions as immoral. In such a scenario, governance, legislation, and justice would cease to exist, as it would be impossible to assert that the majority has the authority to establish and uphold standards for the minority. A world devoid of absolutes would be the most dreadful conceivable reality.
From a spiritual perspective, this form of relativism leads to religious perplexity, negating the existence of a singular true faith and the means to establish a righteous connection with God. Consequently, all religions would be deemed false since they all make definitive assertions concerning the afterlife. Presently, it is not uncommon for individuals to entertain the notion that two fundamentally contradictory religions could both be equally valid, despite each religion asserting exclusivity in providing the sole path to salvation or propagating entirely opposing doctrines. Those who reject absolute truth disregard these assertions and adopt a more inclusive universalism that posits equality among all religions and asserts that all paths lead to heaven. Adherents of this worldview vehemently oppose evangelical Christians who adhere to the Bible’s proclamation that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” and that He represents the ultimate embodiment of truth and the exclusive means to attain salvation «Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. », (John 14:6).
Tolerance has emerged as the paramount virtue in postmodern society, the sole absolute; consequently, intolerance is deemed the ultimate vice. Any firm conviction—particularly one in absolute truth—is perceived as intolerance, the gravest transgression. Those who refute absolute truth often argue that it is acceptable to hold personal beliefs as long as one refrains from imposing them on others. However, this standpoint itself constitutes a belief regarding what is right.Right and wrong, and those who hold this perspective certainly attempt to enforce it on others. They establish a code of conduct that they insist others adhere to, thereby contradicting the very principle they claim to support—a self-contradictory stance. Those who maintain such a belief simply refuse to accept responsibility for their actions. If absolute truth exists, then there are definite standards of right and wrong, and we are answerable to those standards. It is this sense of responsibility that individuals are truly shunning when they reject absolute truth.
The rejection of absolute truth/universal truth and the resulting cultural relativism stem from a society that has adopted the theory of evolution as the rationale for life. If naturalistic evolution holds true, then life lacks significance, we lack purpose, and there can be no absolute right or wrong. Consequently, individuals are free to live as they please and are not answerable to anyone for their actions. Nevertheless, regardless of how adamantly sinful individuals deny the existence of God and absolute truth, they will ultimately face judgment before Him. The Bible affirms that “…what may be known about God is plain to them because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:19-22).
Is there any proof for the existence of absolute truth? Yes. Firstly, there is the human conscience, that innate “something” within us that informs us the world should adhere to a certain standard, that some things are right and some are wrong. Our conscience persuades us that there is something inherently wrong with suffering, starvation, rape, pain.In essence, evil makes us aware of the importance of love, generosity, compassion, and peace as positive values to pursue. This truth transcends all cultures and eras. The Bible discusses the role of the human conscience in Romans 2:14-16: “Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them. This judgment will occur when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel proclaims.”
Another indication of the existence of absolute truth is science. Science is the pursuit of knowledge, the study of what we know, and the quest for further understanding. Therefore, all scientific inquiry must be based on the belief that there are objective realities in the world that can be discovered and proven. Without absolutes, what would there be to investigate? How could one ascertain the validity of scientific discoveries? In reality, the very principles of science rest on the existence of absolute truth.
The third evidence supporting the existence of absolute or universal truth is religion. All world religions seek to provide purpose and meaning to life. They arise from humanity’s yearning for more than mere existence. Through religion, people seek God, anticipate a hopeful future, seek forgiveness for sins, find peace amidst challenges, and seek answers to life’s profound questions. Religion serves as evidence that humans are more than just highly evolved animals. It points to a higher purpose and the presence of a personal and intentional Creator who instilled in humans the desire to know Him. If indeed there is a Creator, then He establishes the standard for absolute truth, and His authority defines that truth.
Thankfully, such a Creator exists.and He has revealed His truth to us through His Word, the Bible. Knowing absolute truth or universal truth is only achievable through a personal relationship with the One who declares to be the Truth—Jesus Christ. Jesus asserted to be the exclusive way, the sole truth, the only life, and the singular path to God «Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. », (John 14:6). The existence of absolute truth indicates the presence of a supreme God who formed the heavens and the earth and who has disclosed Himself to us so that we can personally know Him through His Son Jesus Christ. This is the absolute truth.
