We should want to believe truth and not falsehoods, so when we are learning to defend our faith (Apologetics), it makes sense that we should first determine if what we believe is true.
Objective vs. Subjective Truth
Objective truth is much more than a person's opinion, and is no less than that which corresponds to reality. The kind of truth that includes actual events, actions taken, and evidential facts is known as Objective Truth. It is true no matter who believes it or not, since the reality of it exists independently of the observer. Objective Truth can be investigated, tested, and verified (such as by the scientific method or logic).
Another kind of truth that is commonly used today is Subjective Truth. This kind of truth is based on a person's beliefs, views, feelings, or experiences, and can vary greatly between individuals or cultures. But truth is not determined by claimed motivations, or whether one thinks something is good or evil. While we can argue about the best flavor or ice cream (obviously chocolate chip mint), or who we feel was the GOAT in a certain sport, it really just comes down to personal preference. There is not necessarily any correspondence to reality. Claiming that "my truth", "your truth", or "my lived experience" is binding upon others is not a valid truth claim, because only The Truth actually exists.
Sometimes the term Absolute Truth is used, but strategically objective truth is a much better term, since it makes a contrast with subjective truth and is less prone to confusion. Absolute Truth can be confusing to people without careful qualification, for instance, “It’s absolutely wrong to lie.” Does that mean that it is never okay to lie, or is there an underlying more general moral principle than needs to be unpacked? For clarity, it is better to avoid the term.
Now truth claims can be wrong or mistaken, and false beliefs can and should be evaluated, and re-aligned with reality when necessary. Knowledge is justified true belief. Belief alone does not make something true, even if you are sincere. The goal should be to align our beliefs so that they correspond to reality, since subjective truth is a poor foundation for important beliefs.
Related to subjective truth is the belief in Relativism. Relativism has been aptly called having one's feet firmly planted in mid-air, since it has no philosophical grounding. It is based on the idea that no objective truth exists, or certainly none that can be known. Relativistic morality is incoherent, and is ultimately logically self-defeating. Without grounding, nothing can actually be called good or evil, only preferences. It has no solid grounding for its claims, nor does it have the ability to assert claims of right or wrong, including its own truth claims. For example, the Nazis believed that they were right to exterminate the undesirables, and with relativism, there are no objective grounds for disputing that. It is not good enough to say that "I don't like that" or "I think that was wrong". Without an objective moral standard, such as the uncaused creator God, relativism and subjective truths remain just the flavor of the day. Examples
It is okay to steal if you really need it. (S)
A man named Jesus lived in Judea about 2000 years ago, and was crucified by the Romans. (O)
My wife is the best wife in the whole world! (S)
The nature of human procreation is the combination of the sex gametes of a male and a female. (O)
Modern art is inspiring. (S)
Physics is the best and highest scientific discipline. (S)
No physical object can travel faster than the speed of light in a vacuum. (O)
Gender is closely related to biology, so it is unfair for trans-athletes to compete in sports against people of the opposite biological sex. (S)
Sex/gender are determined by biology, and not by a doctor's opinion or a person's feelings. (O)
It is wrong to torture babies just for the fun of it. (O)
Discovering Truth
Truth is something we should all seek. It can be discovered or known. Unlike the Postmodern worldview, the Christian worldview holds that reality is "out there", and that truth is not simply relative to the person and that it is knowable. That does not mean, however, that we can exhaustively know everything, even if it is theoretically knowable. And we can actually come to wrong conclusions, and be wrong, so humility is required too.
Before you start your search for Truth, you should ask yourself whether or not you are willing to follow the evidence wherever it leads. If your biases are such that you will reject the evidence or refuse to give honest consideration to the facts, then you might as well not bother. Regardless of their starting worldview, the truth seeker will at least consider the evidence from the viewpoint of those holding opposing views. Willful ignorance or stubborn insistence on being "right" will be a stumbling block to the search for truth.
When seeking the truth, if there are multiple independent sources of information supporting claims, then we have a higher confidence in our conclusions. From investigating the reliability of the New Testament accounts and the Resurrection, to claims in a highly-charged political environment, there are some principles to apply:
Eyewitness testimony (both friendly and hostile) of conversations, events, experiences, and actions are valuable.
The truth-seeker considers historical records, financial documents, email/text trails, business associates' testimony, and contemporaneous recorded or documented conversations.
Statements from experts or officials with firsthand information should be given more weight than uninformed opinions of commentators.
Public statements, whether inconsistent, deliberate, or incidental, are all part of the puzzle to give serious consideration.
Consideration of motives and biases of the participants is often used during investigations.
Is there evidence of a cover up or conspiracy? Are the participants holding together, or is it falling apart with defectors or leaks?
Allegations and opinions can be considered, but need to be given appropriate weight compared to the evidence. These are either consistent with the evidence, or they may not be consistent.
In the end, we are looking for the best explanation of all the evidence (abductive reasoning). Explanations which are coherent and consistent with the evidence should be given more credence. Knowing the Truth
From a Christian worldview perspective, there is a difference between just recognizing the truth, and actually embracing it. The foundational truth is that God cannot lie and that He is the author of all Truth, so we have a reason to trust Him and the things He has revealed to us. He can never contradict Himself, since He is the immutably good, all powerful, and necessary being. Anything we discover to be truth can therefore be embraced, since "All Truths are God's Truths".
The CIA headquarters has the following line inscribed on the marble wall in their lobby,
"And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."
Perhaps surprising to some is that this is a partial verse from the Bible, but it is really taken out of context. The quotation from Jesus is,
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” 34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:31-34)
The Bible is clear that wisdom comes from acknowledging God as the source of Truth, not ourselves.
9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:9-11)
and
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. (John 16:13)
When we acknowledge God first and choose to follow His Son, then we will know the truth, and then we will truly be free. We never have to choose between having a love for studying the amazing creation that God has given us and loving God with all our hearts and minds.
Takeaways
Truth corresponding to reality exists, and it is discoverable and knowable.
Objective truth is superior to subjective/relativistic truth.
Christians are called to know the truth, not just acknowledge it. Then we are set free.
All Truth is God's Truth
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