Is Truth Divisible?

Is truth divisible? Can there be parts of a truth? Can truth be seen from different perspectives? Is truth subjective? Or is truth indivisible and whole? Is truth objective and above human speculations? These are very difficult questions to answer. Philosophers have debated these since the time of Socrates and Aristotle. Sages have meditated on these questions in ancient India and elsewhere.

So, what is truth?

Truth is a fact or a reality. It is an objective reality. It is something that exists always without change. If truth is subject to change, then it would no longer be a truth.

Science can speculate about the origin of the universe, because it does not know it. Facts are not available that far back in time. Or the reasons of how and why the dinosaurs died en-masse. However, what we see as unchanging, the sun, moon and the stars, tell us the truth about these heavenly bodies and we base all our calculations on these unchangeable factors.

Certain things are above human perceptions and speculations. We need these solid things, because on their truth and regularity, different aspects of our lives are built around. Truth about these elements better be unchangeable, otherwise our lives will be in a mess!

Coming to truth about religion and God, there also different perspectives prevail. In Indian religions, Hinduism, Jainism or Buddhism, God is seen as relative and subjective. Each one can see one aspect of God and think that that is the truth about God. It is truth relativism. There are no absolute truth or values. Culture plays a major part in defining a truth and it changes according to cultural and social norms.

Subjective truth is a truth based on a person’s perspective, feelings and opinions. It can change much like a kaleidoscope. What I believe as truth is truth for me and you are welcome to have your own views about a truth. No conflicts and we coexist.

Due to this approach, In India, we have multifarious faiths and beliefs and gods. Anything and everything, both inanimate and animate, can be a god. What is the truth to one person need not be truth to another person. It is highly subjective. And all religions are accepted as parts of the same truth. Rig Vedic hymn says, “Truth is One, though the sages tell it variously.” It is a polytheistic approach.

Christianity and the other monotheistic religion, Judaism, teach differently. Truth about God does not change; it is irreplaceable and unchangeable; and because of these characteristics, that Truth is dependable. If truth about God keeps changing, then we have no solid ground to tread on.

Jesus said, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24. For true worshippers will worship the Father, (God), in spirit and truth for Father is seeking such to worship Him. Jesus further proclaimed that “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father, except through me.” John 14:6.

God, whom Jesus called Father, is truth and He expects those who worship Him to worship him in truth as well. Jesus said he is the truth. And further he said, whoever abides in Jesus will know the truth and the truth shall set him or her free. John 8:31-32.

What we see here is the solid ground of truth on which human beings can stand and be free. 

Truth does not change. It is that what has always has been and always will be. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrew 13:8. That is solid ground, a good foundation for us to build our lives on.

In Postmodernism, which happened to the Western philosophy in the twentieth century, a general sense of scepticism creeped in and everything including reason was looked upon as suspect. The result, absolute truth lost its hold and relativism and subjectivism took its place. On the ground it is reflected in the chaos that prevails in the Western countries today.

Order to disorder, unity to divisions, peace to anarchy, and so on till there are no more values worth dying for or fighting for. It is the chaotic situation in the East that has been transported to the West. The reason being there is no solid point of reference for God and Truth.

Let me reiterate again, truth cannot be divisible or changeable. It is solid and abides for ever. That is why it is truth. It is not subjective and is above human speculations.

God is Truth and is the same always. That is His characteristic attribute. So says the Bible, the revealed word of God. We will not know that about God, unless He Himself has revealed it to us through His word.

Jesus is the Truth, so said the Son of God, who represented God and His divine attributes in person, when he walked the earth as a human. John 1:14. So we are able to go to him in faith and confidence and obtain eternal life. 1 John 5:20. That is the unshakable truth indeed.