Something happened in the last few years that is disturbing.
People began to use the phrase “my truth”, “his/her truth” or “your truth”.
Let’s think about that a moment. I can say, “Golden vanilla double stuff Oreos are the best cookies in the world.” Is that truth? Someone might say, “well, that’s your truth”. No, absolutely wrong. The truth is Oreos are cookies. That they are the best in the world – that’s my OPINION.
Opinion does not create reality. Opinion has to do with likes and dislikes. Truth is about facts. Truth equals reality. There is no “my truth” and “your truth” there is only THE truth.
But we live in a world where young people are being taught relativism. That whatever they think or feel becomes reality. That there is no such thing as objective reality. (What’s true for you may not be true for me).
Truth is based on facts and not on feelings. Years ago people thought the earth was flat. Everyone felt that way and everyone agreed. That did not change the reality of the shape of the earth. Feelings and agreement don’t make reality
Opinions and feelings are fine, but you should never equate them with truth.
The danger with not acknowledging truth and using relativism, is that anything goes. You cannot have laws. I could take your stuff because I don’t “feel” like stealing is wrong.
And what if relativism was used against human beings? It already was. The “feeling” and “opinion” that certain people weren’t human led to the holocaust, slavery and abortion.
It is so important to be able to distinguish between opinion and truth. How do you do that? Consider the source, do your own research and ask questions. Remember you’re looking for facts.
So why do you need to know the truth? We need the truth in order to make good decisions – the small and larger decisions we make all day – in our life, our job, our finances.
One last thing. The truth is sometimes hard to hear. You may not always like the truth and there will always be people who refuse to accept the truth. Searching for truth and speaking the truth takes courage.
TFP Student Action has a great video on relativism. Here is the URL.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_PhMNg01KM