The biblical texts have been around for millenia and are considered sacred by some individuals to this day. From the Old Testament to the New, they are filled with stories, lessons, commandments, and, most famously, the provocative question: what is truth? Found in John 18:38, Jesus tells Pontius Pilate “I am telling you the truth” when questioned. But what exactly is truth when it comes to the Bible?
For some, truth in the Bible is the absolute word of God that is meant to provide the guidance for human beings in all aspects life. These individuals hold fast to the belief that the Bible is the inerrant, literal translation of the word of God, and what is written there is without error, revealing the absolute truth. They often see this as the only path to a positive and fulfilling life, given to us by a loving God and revealed to us through scripture.
For others, the Bible is not so much about absolute facts, but rather serves as a wisdom book that encourages readers to expand their own definitions of truth. This perspective may draw upon stories, messages, and ideas within the Bible to consider the concept of truth from a more holistic viewpoint. Supporters of this belief often consider truth to be relative and subjective, rather than absolute and unchanging.
In the scholarly world, truth in the Bible is viewed differently still. Bible scholars often believe that truth in the Bible is best understood by considering the biblical texts in their original cultural, historical context. It is important to look beyond the literal words on the page and explore the broader implications to understand the true meaning of them. The beliefs of those who wrote the Bible may not be the same as the beliefs of readers today, and so what is true within it cannot always be taken at face value.
The interpretations and approaches that people take to the Bible can vary greatly, and how one chooses to define truth within it depends on individual perspective. No matter what approach is taken, it is clear that the nature of truth in the Bible is complex and layered, with many possible meanings and interpretations.
The Nature of Truth
In the study of the Bible, particularly when looking at the subject of truth, there is a lot of focus on the nature of truth itself. Specifically, one might ask “What is truth, and where can it be found?”. These are questions that have been asked and debated for millennia, with no single answer available. Still, many advocate for the Bible as a source of truth.
Those who believe that the Bible contains absolute truth often cite passages such as Matthew 7:14, which reads “The gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Arguing that this is evidence of an unchanging, fundamental truth, believers assert that what is found within the Bible is infallible.
On the other hand, those who believe that truth is relative and subjective often point instead to passages such as Psalm 103:2-4, which reads “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Here, believers may argue, is an example of both a universal and personal truth: that one should be grateful for life’s blessings.
Regardless of the perspective that is taken, it is clear that truth within the Bible is a complex issue and open to individual interpretation. Whether one chooses to find absolute truth in its pages or relative truth, the Bible remains an important part of many people’s lives and can provide hope, comfort, and guidance as they find their own answers to the question of what truth is.
Scholarly Perspectives
When studying the Bible and its deeper meanings, many rely on the works and insights of renowned scholars such as E.P. Sanders, R.T. France, and James Dunn. These scholars have broken down and examined the Bible in great detail to produce an informed and authoritative perspective on it, in particular its concept of truth.
For example, R.T. France’s work of New Testament studies mainly focused on the subjects of historical context and hermeneutics (the science of interpretation). In doing so, he identified various ways in which Christian writers may have conceivably interpreted Truth in the Bible. France argues for a “middle way”, which recognizes that different records of truth can be found depending on the era, culture, and perspective of the one interpreting it.
James Dunn is another notable scholar whose books and writings focus largely on the subject of truth. He believes that truth must be considered within its original cultural context and not made inabsorbable to the current cultural and linguistic environment. Conclusively, the nature of “Truth” in the Bible must factor that in and take different truths into account. He argues that personal and collective interpretation of these truths are essential for Bible understanding.
These scholarship works provide an insightful into truth as it is seen in a scholarly perspective. It also suggests that truth in the Bible can be found no matter one’s theological background, perspective and culture, as everything should relationally account to each other. Essentially, it is up to us to interpret, relate and find truth in the Bible.
Conclusion
Ultimately, what is truth in the Bible ultimately remains a complex issue, with no single, right answer. The truth in scripture may be absolute and unchanging, or relative and subjective, depending upon the perspective and beliefs of the reader. It is also possible that truth in the Bible can be found somewhere in between, as scholars like E.P. Sanders, R.T. France, and James Dunn suggest. The nature of truth is one that will likely be pondered and debated for years to come, and the Bible will likely remain an important source of guidance in this regard.
