(A note: perhaps this should have been an introduction to the following two posts on Truth).
Several decades of classroom experience has shown me that nearly all university-age students struggle to define the idea of “truth”, and few American students can remember a single lesson addressing it. (Isn’t that curious?) When I ask for someone to tell me what truth is, the classroom almost always goes silent.
But several years back I had a delightfully different response with a group of second level students in Texas. I asked, “Who can give me a definition of Truth?” And front row Hanna, threw her hand up like a game show contestant.
“Truth is an accurate description of reality.”
BOOM! Plain and simple. In the Greek language the single word “aletheia” is interchangeably translated as either “truth” or “reality.”
I had two follow-up questions: To Hannah I asked, “Were you home-schooled?” (Yes… and it was obvious).
And to the class… “What, then, is reality?” (Because in today’s world, even reality has become a murky concept).
Reality is “what is”. Or as Dallas Willard brings it home, “Reality is what we stub our toe on in the middle of the night”. It may seem odd to address such simple, basic questions, but in a world where both truth and reality are under daily assault from academics and cultural shapers alike, it seems a healthy thing for disciples of Jesus to remind ourselves of the ABCs of life.
Dispatches from the Shadowlands 
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Great insights, Bette! Looks like the same Spirit is leading both of us!
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The definition of truth can get so convoluted in philosophical and metaphysical study that we can tend to lose sight of the origin and understanding of the simplicity of Truth: the nature of God as exemplified in Jesus Christ and the gospels.
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So true, Sharon. Making that connection is such a great leap forward: That we can actually have a relationship wit
Truth!
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This is a great discussion! There a some valuable statements, I feel, that are the fruit of such an important conversation: If there is no objective “truth” the foundation of our life philosophy melts like ice on a summer day. Our children, without factual, objective truth reject our correction, deeming them without value or merit. Societal character degrades into chaos without objective truth. Just a few observations and opinions.
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Thanks Travis! Absolutely! It is impossible to overstate the centrality of Truth! I appreciate your underscore of that point!
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In everyday use, truth generally means a statement or belief that accurately reflects the real world or facts that can be verified through evidence or logical consistency.
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Well stated, Arian! I love it that you’re thinking about this!
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Of course, Pilate, scoffing at Jesus said “What is Truth ?”
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Good point, Barry. It’s understandable when nonbelievers struggle to know Truth. But we who know Him ought to have it firmly fixed in our hearts and minds.
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This is a fantastic post, Don! I really appreciate your simple yet profound definition of truth as “an accurate description of reality.” It’s a great reminder that in today’s world, where truth is often subjective, we need to anchor ourselves in what is real and unchanging. The conversation about truth as both a philosophical and theological concept is crucial—especially in today’s culture. Your thoughts really resonate with me, and I look forward to reading the follow-up posts. Thanks for sparking this important discussion!
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Thank you, Rawl! You’ve encouraged my heart deeply. I’m especially glad you appreciate the simplicity. 1 Corinthians 1:26 is a favorite concept for me. Although I appreciate the great thinkers, philosophers and theologians, I believe the Kingdom ought to be simple enough for a child to understand.
May the Holy Spirit continue to bless you on your journey, and to light up your spirit with His Truth.
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