What is the truth?

People often think of truth as similar to a natural law; and in Western Civilization we view laws as timeless and unchanging. For example, the law of gravity is viewed as a truth. However, does the law of gravity always work like we say it does, in all contexts? Are there any situations in which it can be manipulated? Birds have seemed to get around this “law” by their ability to fly. Astronauts in outer space are not pulled down in the same fashion we are when we jump up. Even fish underwater seem impacted differently by this concept. These examples prompt the question, are laws such as the law of gravity real, or the fundamental version of truth, when so much depends on context? “All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it” (D&C 93: 30).

          Framing truth like the law of gravity is often how people of faith look at the laws of God, or the commandments. As though they are abstract concepts or truths that always have been and always will be. However, before the death of Christ, those who followed Him sacrificed animals on alters (extrinsic faith). Now they are asked to offer broken hearts and contrite spirits (intrinsic faith). Was it truth that changed, or context? “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God” (LDS Articles of Faith).

          Truth is universal, but also personal. It is known, but more so it is experienced. Jesus answered Thomas’ question, “How can we know the way?” by saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:15-16). He did not say, “I will teach you the truth,” or “I will show you the way,” as though truth is something we obtain. Truth is not something we know; rather, it is someone we know. “For this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). Knowing about truth is different than knowing Truth, who is God. Truth at the most fundamental level is a person we come into relation with, even Jesus Christ.

          Truth is a matter of faith, not knowledge. A person genuinely seeking guidance and truth must answer the question in the affirmative, “Am I willing to find truth wherever I'm guided, even if that is into a Mormon Church?” For those seeking Truth, my invitation is to pray and ask God if He is there, ask Him anything! If you ask with sincerity, you will come to know Him. It is in coming to know and follow Him that we can be guided in our daily lives. None of our situations are the same. Happily, we can have a relationship with the Truth, who can help us with all of the particulars of life, whether that is how to raise a child, which job to apply for, etc. God cares about all of these things. He wants to guide us in each of our contexts. 

            As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I’m grateful to know that God has restored His church with living prophets and apostles who guide His church through living revelation. This church is true because it is living. Truth is organically living, and like all that is living, there is growth and change and progress. Not stagnation and abstraction. God is not abstract; He is Truth that lives and guides each of us individually and His church as a whole in concrete, living relationships.