Truth: Is all truth relative?

If I had no other reason to be suspicious of the widely held saying that all truth is relative, I would have begun to suspect it when it was used only when the other person was loosing the argument. If we are to be suspicious of anything claiming to be truth,  we should also be suspicious of the “truth” that 'all truth is relative.' If somebody told me they did not think adultery was wrong, I'd likely wonder if that was because they wanted to do it. It's called rationalization, and I have to wonder if it’s a thinly vailed excuse so as not to have to deal with inconvenient truths. The other extreme of course is to see everything in terms of black and white? Situations may arise where we may need to choose the lesser of two evils, telling lies to hide Jews in Nazi Germany for example?

There are two seemingly contradictory Scriptures that are relevant here. The first talks about those who are always learning,  but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 3:7). The second is “if anyone thinks he knows something, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know” (1 Corinthians 8:2). As in many apparent contradictions, the resolution is found in the contexts. In the first reference, Paul is talking about the things that hinder coming to a knowledge of salvation (the rationalization that comes from wanting to do what we want to do). Concerning salvation, we are intended to have assurance of the things we have believed (Hebrews 11:1). John tells us the purpose of his writing is so that we may know we have (present possession) eternal life, and that we will not come to the judgement (1 John 5:13; John 5:24).

The Corinthian reference is dealing with what the Bible calls doubtful things such as should we eat meat offered to idols, or should women wear hats in church. There is no problem to be fully persuaded about these things.  But this should not be allowed to cause disunity (Romans 14:1-8; 12:18; 1 Corinthians 11:5, 6).

If we are to study to be approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15), we need to figure out what are the none-negotiable essentials of the faith, and what are areas on which we can agree to disagree. I have found the statements of faith of para-church organizations such as Inter-Varsity and Operation Mobilization helpful here. Their statements have been forged in the furnace of interdenominational dialogue, and represent their attempts to do exactly what I'm suggesting.  In terms of Genesis 1, this discussion today is relevant to such questions as “How are we to understand the word 'day?' It's controversial, but is an example of something I can get this wrong and still be saved! I am not saved by correct interpretation, but by grace through faith. I'm not saying truth is unimportant, but I have found shutting people out excludes me from the deep insights of others!

Father, if all truth is relative we can be sure of nothing at all, including that all truth is relative. Faith however is being certain of what we have believed in terms of salvation (Hebrews 11:1 again). So no,  not all truth is relative, but sometime the more we are convinced we know,  the less we learn.  And I've learned much from those with whom I disagree. In any case,  knowledge puffs up, but love edifies (1 Corinthians 8:1)!  Grant us humility Lord,  and wisdom and knowledge, in Jesus Name Amen