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Is Christian Truth Arrogant in a Post-Truth World?

Universal truth?

In today’s British pluralistic society, we find ourselves in a cultural milieu of competing truth claims. With such diversity of religious and philosophical perspectives on offer, truth has become something relative where one claim to truth is as valid as any other. In such a climate, the proclamation of Christianity is not only deemed just another brand amongst many in the ideological supermarket, but an arrogant imposition of one’s belief-system onto others. In this post-truth culture which elevates feelings and preferences above facts and truth, how can Christianity’s bold claim of universal truth be heard and taken seriously?

Our post-truth culture is concerned with promoting tolerance and assimilates religious beliefs as pluralist ideologies which can be shaped to our own personal preferences. This can only lead to ignorance, confusion and disrespect for the depth and diversity between faiths. Tolerance operates among differences not sameness.

Exclusive claim, inclusive offer

Whilst religious pluralism demands that all beliefs should be reduced to mere commonalities, John’s Gospel is criticised for its exclusive language in passages that claim Jesus as the only way to truth, salvation and ultimately to God (John 10:7; 14:6;). Yet, all religions are exclusive in that when you affirm something you exclude that which challenges it.  Perhaps we could learn from the early missions of Paul who engaged in the plurality of his ancient world from a position of explicit assurance in the exclusive truthfulness and saving power of the gospel.

John’s description of Jesus as the gate of the sheepfold holds significant salvific claims where the emphasis is on abundant life through Jesus alone (Acts 4:12). We are given a choice to embrace Jesus as our Saviour or to reject him. Within this exclusive Christian claim there is an inclusive offer available to all (John 3:16).

Most valued possession

John understands that the spiritual lives of God’s people are at stake by robbers and thieves who come to steal and destroy. All other paths lead to destruction but whoever follows Jesus is promised life and salvation. The Word of God is based on the His absolute character and stands as the foundation of truth whilst the world shifts and changes to its relativistic whims. In elevating our preferences above facts, we distort the gospel which distorts truth itself. Jesus’ resurrection is the basis for all Christian confidence, ‘And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.’ (1 Corinthian 15:14). As we navigate this post-truth era which has ‘delegitimated’ everything, truth must be our guiding light and most valued possession. In Jesus we find an inclusive invitation to come to the exclusive means of salvation.

The books that helped shape this devotional are listed below in the bibliography.

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Hi, I’m Hannah — a writer with a background in theology and illustration. Alongside my own work, I offer writing, editing, and proofreading support for theological and creative projects.
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