There is No Absolute Truth
The Contradiction of Denying Absolute Truth
A friend recently shared an experience from their university classroom that perfectly illustrates the intellectual inconsistency of relativism. Their professor began a lecture by listing a series of supposed “absolute truths” on the board, only to “disprove” each one in her own way. She concluded her demonstration with a definitive statement: “There is no such thing as absolute truth.”
At this point, my friend, recognizing the contradiction, asked, “Professor, let me get this straight: you would affirm the statement that ‘There are no absolute truths’?”
Without hesitation, she responded, “Yes, that is correct. There are no absolute truths.”
Sensing an opportunity, my friend followed up, “Are you absolutely sure about that?”
The professor initially ignored the question, but my friend was persistent, repeating it loudly enough for the entire class to hear. “Professor, do you see the flaw in your reasoning? Your statement that ‘There are no absolute truths’ is, in itself, an absolute statement. Your position contradicts itself.”
The classroom broke out in laughter as the professor’s inconsistency became evident. Rather than addressing the logical flaw, she dismissed the observation, brushing it off as part of a “deep philosophical discussion” before continuing her lecture.
The Self-Defeating Nature of Relativism
This encounter highlights a critical flaw in relativism, which asserts that truth is subjective and denies the existence of absolutes. The claim “There are no absolute truths” is inherently self-defeating because it relies on an absolute to deny absolutes.
What’s more troubling is the moral inconsistency that often accompanies relativism. Later in the lecture, the professor condemned offensive jokes, stating that humor that targets specific groups is wrong because it can oppress others. While the desire for respect is commendable, it raises an important question: If there are no absolute truths, on what basis can such behavior be deemed “wrong”? Without a universal standard of morality, no action or statement can be objectively judged as right or wrong.
This contradiction demonstrates the impossibility of living consistently within a relativistic framework. Those who deny absolutes inevitably rely on them, whether in logic, morality, or reasoning, while simultaneously undermining the very foundation they stand on.
Truth Is Grounded in God
As Christians, we understand that truth is not subjective or fluid. Truth is grounded in the character of God, who is unchanging and eternal. Jesus proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Truth is not an abstract idea or a matter of personal interpretation; it is embodied in the person of Jesus Christ.
When people reject the existence of absolute truth, they are, whether knowingly or not, rejecting God. This rejection creates a worldview that cannot sustain itself, for it removes the foundation for objective morality, logical reasoning, and purpose in life.
Our Responsibility
This story serves as a reminder of the critical need to defend truth in a world that increasingly denies it. The apostle Peter wrote, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). In moments like these, we have the opportunity to expose error, not to humiliate others, but to point them toward the truth.
As Christians, we must remain patient yet firm in confronting relativistic thinking. The goal is not to win debates for the sake of argument but to gently lead others to recognize the logical and moral bankruptcy of denying absolute truth.
Conclusion
The denial of absolute truth is more than just a philosophical mistake; it reflects a deeper spiritual issue—a rejection of the God who created and sustains all things. Without truth, there can be no logic, no morality, and no hope.
Whether in a classroom or in everyday conversations, Christians must stand firm for truth, offering a consistent and compelling alternative to the confusion of relativism. Truth does not change, and it will always prevail, even in a culture determined to deny it.