What is Truth?These are the famous words said by Pontius Pilate (seemingly more to himself than to anyone else) in the Gospel of John 18:38. It's a good question for the 21st century. Many call this time period "postmodern". As far at terms go, it's OK. Postmodernism as a literary, political or social philosophical handle is fine - just so we have a simple word to generally refer to an idea that says, "anything goes". And in deed, anything goes seems to be the philosophy that people follow when it comes to various aspects of lifestyle, morality, and personal beliefs.
Of course we cannot throw logic and reason out the window when it comes to practical engineering, construction, electronics, physics, chemistry, etc. (I say "practical" because that is what is needed to build things that work and are usable). However, the American society (and I do love my country) easily accepts things as relative when it comes to marriage, family, business, politics, and most importantly faith.
I understand why. These ideas are hard to pin down, but the truth is - all morality cannot be correct. To be sure, social and political context must be appropriately considered (killing an enemy in a war for example is not considered murder) but in principle, how do you tell another person that what they believe is WRONG?
As our country enters into a new era with our first black president, major economic changes, huge national debt, furloughs and layoffs in the office (I'm being furloughed 5 days), etc, etc.. we still have real issues to tackle in the Church. Christians need to love people, help people find real purpose and meaning based on truth, and help people build strong families, again based on an absolute truth. This truth is revealed (for those looking honestly) in the sacred text of the Christian Faith. We still have the great task of helping others find and experience the beauty and peace that comes from mercy, grace, and forgiveness without compromising spiritual reality or truth. We need to practice and help others practice the self-control and forgiveness needed to live according to the precepts and principles of the Christian faith which make a life of contentment possible.
