The Formula for Knowing God's Will

It’s hard to believe in something if you don’t think it’s true. And these days, it seems everyone has their own definition or source of truth. In fact, all the different “truth” out there is damaging relationships, families, cultures and even nations. Jan. 6, anyone?

Fundamentally, Truth is what you Trust. What do you trust to be true? Yet, WHY do you trust what you believe to be true? Many of us just don’t know and get flustered when confronted with what we believe. More, we’re often backed into a corner where if, say, we believe God to be true, then nothing else can be a source of truth. Not so. Let’s take a look.

I did some research and found at least 18 different models of “truth.” Perhaps this is why so many of us don’t understand where others “are coming from.”

In this article, I thought I’d share a bit on what I discovered. And have to say, I learned a bit about myself. As you’ll see below, “Absolute Truth” is very much a model adhered to by people of faith. I live by that model. However, I also believe in “Mathematical Truth.” Not to the detriment of Absolute Truth. Just saying, I also believe math is truth. And also “Historical Truth.” However, I’ve known many people who don’t believe that history as recorded is true. 

What are the underpinnings of what you think is truth, and why do you trust that?

The more we know about the kinds of truth that are out there, perhaps we’ll be more prepared to understand and have more thoughtful discussions with each other. Perhaps we can have more empathy, and seek to understand before being understood. Perhaps we can bring down the arguments, have more patience, and even learn a thing or two. Learning doesn’t mean we have to agree or believe. It just means we’re open-minded and considerate because we’ve read this article and know that there are many models of truth out there.

Now, before all the hard-core Christians out there start shouting at me on Facebook, Jesus said “I am the Way, the Truth, the Life…” Yes yes, I know and agree! But Jesus also said:

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

— 1 Peter 3:15

I think as you go down the list, which is not presented in any particular order, you’ll find you adhere to more than one model. The point here: You don’t have to choose just one.

Of course, if you adhere to Absolute Truth, then you likely won’t believe in Relativistic Truth. They are diametrically opposed to one another. That’s fine. But what other models of truth might you embrace?

I know this is all a little deep, but hey. Be prepared to give an answer, with gentleness and respect.

Here we go!

Absolute Truth

Some philosophical and religious perspectives assert the existence of absolute truth—universal, timeless truths that are independent of individual beliefs or cultural contexts.

Correspondence Theory of Truth

This theory posits that truth is a correspondence between a statement or belief and objective reality. In other words, a statement is considered true if it accurately reflects or corresponds to the way things actually are.

Coherence Theory of Truth

According to this theory, truth is a matter of internal consistency within a set of beliefs or statements. A statement is considered true if it coheres or fits logically with other statements in a particular system.

Moral Truth

Moral truth pertains to ethical principles and values. It involves determining what is morally right or wrong, and different ethical frameworks may provide distinct perspectives on moral truth.

Pragmatic Theory of Truth

Pragmatism focuses on the practical consequences and utility of a belief or statement. Truth, in this context, is what works or proves beneficial in practice. It’s less concerned with abstract correspondence and more with the effectiveness of a belief.

Relativism

Relativism suggests that truth is subjective and can vary based on individual or cultural perspectives. What is considered true for one person or culture may not be the same for another.

Pluralism

Pluralism acknowledges that there can be multiple perspectives or truths that coexist. It embraces the idea that different viewpoints can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of reality.

Constructivism

Constructivism posits that individuals actively construct their own understanding of truth based on their experiences, beliefs, and interpretations. Truth, in this sense, is a subjective and evolving construct.

Objective vs. Subjective Truth

Objective truth is considered independent of individual opinions or perspectives, while subjective truth is influenced by personal viewpoints and experiences.

Consensus Reality

Some perspectives suggest that truth is a product of societal agreement or consensus. In this view, what a society collectively believes or accepts as true becomes a part of its shared reality.

Historical Truth

Historical truth involves the accurate representation of past events. However, historical narratives can be influenced by perspectives, biases, and interpretations, making the quest for historical truth a complex endeavor.

Mathematical Truth

Mathematical truth is often considered absolute and universal. Mathematical statements are true based on logical proof and reasoning within the framework of mathematical systems.

Aesthetic Truth

Aesthetic truth relates to judgments about beauty, art, and aesthetics. It involves subjective perceptions and cultural influences, making it diverse and varied.

Intuitive Truth

Some philosophical traditions and individuals place importance on intuitive or inner knowing as a source of truth. This involves a deep, non-rational understanding that goes beyond logical analysis.

Scientific Truth

In the scientific method, truth is provisional and based on empirical evidence. Scientific truths are subject to testing, scrutiny, and potential revision as new evidence emerges.

Epistemic Truth

Epistemic truth deals with the nature of knowledge and justified belief. It explores questions about how we come to know what we know and the criteria for justifying beliefs as true.

Existential Truth

Existential philosophy delves into questions of personal authenticity and the nature of existence. Existential truths often involve individual experiences, choices, and the search for meaning.

Paradoxical Truth

Some philosophical traditions embrace paradoxical truths—ideas that may seem contradictory but coexist in a higher or transcendent sense. These can challenge conventional understanding.