A Truth Matrix , part 2, Relative Truth
This time we review another definition.
Relative truth –truth that can depend on circumstances. Those questions for which there is not an absolute “right” answer.
Some people have a difficult time with relative truth. They might think that everything ultimately should have a distinct answer. The truth is, sometimes it really does depend…
Once again we must consider that our Christian life is full of questions. Some are easier to answer than others. Studying our Bible is important preparation for us to equip us to best answer challenging questions.
When discerning questions involving answers that are relative truths, we will again make two distinctions.
- Situational questions relative to beliefs—these are questions in which the answer depends on the situation, circumstance, or perhaps the context
- Autonomous questions—these questions have answers that depend on the individual person
Let’s view some example questions to add clarity to this. It can be a little confusing.
Situational questions:
Is it okay to drink a glass of wine? The answer is “it depends”. A glass of wine as an accompaniment to a meal won’t be a sin. For some people, wine is even a medical prescription required for health. Even in the New Testament, we saw an example of Paul encouraging Timothy to drink some wine for his stomach’s health. At the other extreme, if the situation involves a person drinking to achieve drunkenness, the Bible warns us against the sinful nature of this behavior. In this case, it is not okay.
Is it okay to attend movies? Again, it depends. If attending a movie is simple and wholesome entertainment, it is okay. On the other extreme, if the situation involves attending and viewing X-rated films as a lustful pursuit, it is not okay.
These are simple, yet not uncommon examples of questions that can receive a lot of debate among different Christians.
Autonomous questions:
Is the temperature in the church too warm? This is a very simple question, but it really illustrates the point. The temperature in the church can feel warm to one person, yet requires others to reach for their jackets or sweaters. It is “truly” warm to one and equally truly cool to the other. One person’s answer/truth is autonomous from the others person’s answer.
What is the best type of music for the church? Your answer may very well be different from mine, yet both can be true for each of us. Traditional Christian hymns may aid the worship for one person, while other draws close to God through the music and lyrics of contemporary praise and worship songs. Each has an “autonomous” yet for them, equally true answer.
With these categories under the heading of relative truth, we now will have the left side of our truth matrix.
These have been simple examples. Many questions are more complex, as the Bible really provides a range of detail on many issues. Therefore, a tool such as a truth matrix is very valuable to help us understand that we, as humans, will have differences as we each seek to discern the truth. We were introduced to this concept in The Theology Program by the founders of the program, Michael Patton and Rhome Dyke. We have found this conceptual way of sorting through possibilities for “truth” to be a great help. Many thanks to Michael and Rhome.
To expand on our quote about discerning truth, we would add the following per Pastor Charles Swindoll.
“We should never compromise on the essential truths;
We should never divide over those things that are non-essentials;
We should use grace in all things…”
I value this advice. As we continuously explore the truth as presented in our Bible, we will have different levels of understanding when it comes to “non-essentials.” I am okay with that. It shows that we are studying, we are into the Word, and we are working to interpret God’s Will in our lives. As our interpretations on non-essentials vary, we can act with grace and tolerance for each other. If we will listen to each other, instead of jumping to judge each other, hopefully our combined understanding will continue to grow.
Blessings,
Larry
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