By Steve

VERITAS

I’m still not satisfied. Today our fourth edition of “The Loop” was published online. In the article about Citywalk’s values I talk about truth. In my previous blog I augmented the article with some further thoughts on truth. Whenever I have seen the topic of “truth” printed in a book, blog or article it has left me longing for more. There always seems to be more that can be said. And there is. So the critics rise up and let the world know (mild overstatement) where the author has strayed, fallen short, left things out or is just plain wrong. Not that I am expecting to receive hate mail or any feedback at all for that matter, but I do wonder what people might be thinking (For it is in our silent thoughts that our “true” feelings exist). For some reason, I have decided to make a few further comments on this subject knowing that it may help some, further offend others and in the end still be incomplete.

I want to say from the outset that I believe in the Truth. I have no hesitation in saying that, in fact it gives me great hope to “know” that Truth exists. Hope for our world full of injustice and hatred. Hope that unity will prevail over division. Hope for a way of living that energizes our life…that is Truth. It is sad to me that my generation (including myself in this broad category) is often described as one that does not hold to truth. While isolated cases may be reported that support this, it is not descriptive of anyone I have ever met or talked with. What I have encountered and support myself is the rejection of a particular presentation of truth, the misinterpretation of truth and people being intolerant or impatient with others because they believe they “have” the truth thus becoming exclusive (although truth by definition is exclusive). In other words, I can very comfortably say that there is a knowable Truth, but at the same time must admit that my understanding may be inaccurate. I claim the Bible to be true, but my interpretation of it, my presentation of it, the principles I gleen from it and the way I use it may all be wrong. This is one reason I so strongly advocate the notion of pursuing truth while embracing mystery. We can trust the Holy Spirit to guide us in this process too (feel free to dig up that reference in the gospel of John).

Truth claims, while at one level give me great hope, also make me very sad. I can picture God in disgust of all our bickering. Maybe it’s not disgust but sorrow. As we have missed his commission of us. As we further hurt his Kingdom influence. As we will probably some day all admit, that each of us was partially right and partially wrong on every issue. When we put our foot down declaring we have the truth, we at the same time have a tendency to erect a wall of seperation from those who believe otherwise. If you are up for a research project, look up the many things that have divided religious people (maybe even just those within the Christian faith). I believe there will come a day when much of our arguing seems very trite, in fact that day has come and gone on many issues (dancing, movies etc.). What we tend to divide ourselves over is not Truth. It is culture. It is theology and doctrine. It is morality. It is perspective. But seldom is it truth. At least not the Truth.

If we are to divide over anything, be it ever so gracefully, it should be over Jesus, the Truth. When we consider truth, we should consider a person, in fact God, but not a statement. How can a person be a static doctrine to be set in stone. Jesus. He was and is and is to come. He created all things. He was before all things, in all things and in him all things hold together. He was in the beginning as, word. He became flesh, taking on likeness of man (that’s word were talking about doing that). He lived, died, resurrected, reappeared and will appear again. We are instructed to continue the revolution he began. To carry on the ministry of reconciliation that he orchestrated. And to pray for ongoing growth in knowledge and depth of insight. There’s a lot to truth and we should be in hot pursuit of HIM. And in the midst of this pursuit of God we confess his judgements to be unsearchable and his paths beyond tracing out. His wisdom and knowledge overwhelming, in fact noone has ever known the mind of the Lord. Mystery!It is within this tension we find life. Between the knowability and mystery of Jesus the Truth – God.

My hope. My prayer. My dream. One of my deepest desires and passions. That we love life both here and for eternity to come. That we recognize life (as we certainly must) as a process. From birth to death. And in this journey of life, with great zeal, we seek to know Truth together and embrace the mystery along the way.