Is There One True Religion? - Does Absolute Truth Really Exist?

Does Absolute Truth Really Exist?

No doubt you will agree that there are some things of which you can be absolutely certain. You are sure of your own existence and that the objects that surround you are real. The trees, the mountains, the clouds, the sun and moon -the material world-are not figments of your imagination. Of course, there may be a few people who argue in a philosophical way that even those things are questionable. But it is unlikely that you agree with such an extreme notion.

Then there are natural laws. Of these too, you can be absolutely certain. For example, if you jump off a cliff,you will fall; if you refuse to eat you will feel hungry; and if you go without food for a long time, you will die. You do not wonder if such natural laws hold true for some but not for others. They apply to all mankind and are therefore said to be universal.

The Bible alludes to one such universal law when it asks: "Can a man rake together fire into his bosom and yet his very garments not be burned?" Indeed, when that was written, it was universally true that clothing would burn if brought into contact with fire. However, in stating this fact, the above Bible proverb is really making a bigger point, namely, that "anyone having [sexual] relations with the wife of his fellowman" will suffer adverse consequences.-Proverbs 6:27, 29.

Is that statement an absolute truth of which we can be certain? Some say no. They claim that morals are personal, that they depend on one's upbringing beliefs, and circumstances. But consider a few of God's moral laws as found in the Bible. Are these not universal truths?

The Bible condemns adultery. (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) Some people do not accept this Bible precept as truth, and they practice adultery. Still, even they generally reap bitter consequences, which often include a troubled conscience, divorce and deep emotional scars for all concerned (that is, if one has a conscience to begin with).

Drunkenness is also condemned by God (Proverbs 22:30; Ephesians 5:18) What happens when people practice it? in many cases they lose their jobs, their health, and their family, who also suffer emotionally. (Proverbs 23:29-35) Such consequences come even to those who do not believe that drunkenness is wrong. does the truthfulness of these moral laws appear to be relative to the beliefs or perceptions of each individual?

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Awake magazine,2008