In a previous post, I spoke about how all “sources” of truth are valid. Truth exists, and at various times throughout history, we “discover” it. I believe that the Bible presents absolute truth, and that nothing in science that has been defined as absolute truth has yet to contradict it. There are also scientific theories that are not truth.
In this post I want to point out a teaching that I think helps to illustrate this idea. It is in the Nooma series by Rob Bell. This particular video is called Rhythm. Here is a short sample…
[youtube FvavMG-HKdQ Video :: Nooma 011 | Rhythm]
In order to get the whole idea, you really have to watch the whole thing, but I want to discuss one thing that I get out of this video. In it he discusses this idea that God is like a song, and the rest of us simply relate to that song. If you can hear the song, it doesn’t mean that you are “in tune” with it. But on the other hand, even if you can’t hear the song (or don’t believe that the song exists), that doesn’t mean that it’s not there.
Some people can hear the song, know the song, and sing the song, but still be out of tune with it. I look at these people as the ones that profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, but twist the scriptures to support their own ideas and theologies. The lyrics are right, but it just doesn’t sound like the same song that Jesus sings.
There are some people who deny the song, don’t care, and sing their own song. These people are obviously out of tune with the universe, and it is obvious. They deny all truth and try to create their own realities, and these “realities” are not founded on anything substantial.
Then there are some people that deny the song, and want to sing their own song. However, unbeknownst to them, they are singing in tune with THE song. These are the people that get it right, and live by (at least some) Biblical principles. They are in touch with the truth of the Gospel, even if they deny that it exists. This is how some people can do great works (feed the poor, help the widow, care for the children, etc.), but not be doing it in the name of Jesus. They are living partially in the truth without even accepting the true source of truth.
And of course, there are those that know the song, live the song, and sing perfectly in tune with the song. These are the great saints of the faith that have gone before us and made a major impact not only in their faith, but also in their world.
My point is again (from a slightly different perspective) that truth exists, and there are people outside of “the faith” that are living in various aspects of the truth. I simply cannot stress the importance of understanding this fact, as it will affect how we view the people in the world around us, and how we have discussions with them about our faith. Too often we shut people out because their views do not start with our Biblical worldview. We must not shut them out, but figure out how we can have conversation with them.
Questions to consider:
What do you believe about the Bible? Is it absolute truth? Or does it simply contain some truth? What is your standard for truth and reality, and how do you see the rest of the world in relation to that?
