by Steven Macpherson

Created on: November 23, 2008

While I believe in the existence of absolute truth, I also believe that it too is conditional. Absolute truth depends on the only possible source for such truth, which is God. Because absolute truth can only come from a divine source, it is conditional. All other truths are at best reflections of divine truth. The moment our finite minds begin to process a truth; it is no longer absolute. "Who has understood the mind of the Lord, or instructed him as his counselor? .For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." (Isa. 40:13; 55:8).

The definition that I am working with infers that because the only absolute truth that exists - exists only in the mind of God; there is no absolute truth available to the human mind. While it may be possible to reflect on absolute truth - to become enthralled with the possibility of absolute truth to even postulate on the basis of what we consider to be absolute truth; our greatest insights are still little more than dim reflections of the reality. "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known "(1 Cor.13:12). The possibility of absolute truth existing in the human realm is an eschatological hope not an existential reality.

From a philosophical perspective my argument is obviously Platonic in its implications. The truth we experience here on earth is a shadow truth. Regardless of the existence of a realm where absolute truth is present, and where symbolic images of absolute truth might be intact; absolute truth exist for us experientially only in an allegorical sense.

This does not mean that all truth is relative. Truths that are reflections of absolute truth, though conditional, are nevertheless anything but arbitrary or circumstantial. Some truths are obviously closer to the ideal. Peace is obviously better than war. Love is better than hate. Abundance is better than lack. Truths that arise from the desire for peace, love and compassion are likely to be more accurate reflections of the ideal than arguments endorsing war, bigotry, or indifference. But even our best motivations in the pursuit of truth are subject to distortion, filtered through human prejudice and easily manipulated in the support of untruth. The old adage "even the devil quotes scripture" is a sobering reminder of how the clearest representation of absolute truth we have can be misused in a manner that corrupts its message

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