Is truth relative?

Answer

When someone asserts that truth is relative, they typically mean that there is no absolute truth. Some things may seem true to one person but not to another. If you believe it, it is true for you. If I do not believe it, it is not true for me. When individuals express sentiments like “it’s acceptable if God exists for you, but He does not exist for me,” they are articulating the common notion that truth is relative.

The entire concept of “relative truth” may appear tolerant and open-minded. However, upon closer examination, it is not truly open-minded. Essentially, to claim that “God exists for you but not for me” implies that the other person’s perception of God is incorrect. It involves passing judgment. Yet, no one genuinely believes that all truth is relative. No rational individual would say, “Gravity works for you, but not for me,” and then proceed to leap off tall buildings assuming no consequences will ensue.

The assertion “truth is relative” is, in reality, self-defeating. By stating, “Truth is relative,” one is asserting a supposed truth. However, if all truth is relative, then that statement itself is also relative—which means we cannot rely on it to be universally true.

Certainly, there are certain statements that are relative. For instance, “the Ford Mustang is the most stylish car ever produced” is a relative statement. A car enthusiast might consider this to be true, but there is no absolute criterion by which to gauge “stylishness.” It is purely a matter of personal belief or opinion. Nevertheless, the statement “there is a red Ford Mustang parked outside in the driveway, and it is mine” is not relative. It is either true or false, based on objective reality. If the Mustang in the driveway is blue (not red), the statement is false. If the red Mustang in the driveway belongs to someone else, the statement is false—it does not align with reality.

In general, opinions are relative. Many individuals confine any discussion of God or religion to the realm of opinion. “YouI prefer Jesus— that’s fine if it works for you.” What Christians say (and the Bible teaches) is that truth is not relative, regardless of the subject matter. There is an objective spiritual reality, just as there is an objective physical reality. God is unchanging «For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. », (Malachi 3:6); Jesus likened His teachings to a solid, immovable rock « Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: », (Matthew 7:24). Jesus is the only way of salvation, and this is absolutely true for every person at all times «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). Just like people need to breathe in order to live, people need to be born again through faith in Christ to experience spiritual life «Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. », (John 3:3).