Can You Teach TRUTH?

This week’s question – Can You Teach TRUTH? – is one I first encountered in a class that was part of my ministerial studies with Unity. (Anyone unfamiliar with Unity may want to check out www.Unity.com for an understanding of its central philosophy). At the time this question fueled quite an energetic discussion, or perhaps “debate” would be a better description of was transpired. So before you read further, take a few minutes to consider your own thoughts on this matter.

Now see how your thoughts jive, or don’t jive, with my own. Let’s start with a definition of TRUTH, as I want us all to be on the same page. And so often we fail to understand clearly what someone means – take the word “God,” as a good example – before we share our perspective. According to the dictionary, TRUTH mean something that is “true” – duh! Let’s not use the word’s root to define this word, which actually has a quite different meaning. Here are some suggestions from a variety of sources: something that is verifiable or accurate; reality; correctness; fact; authenticity; logical; basic; an opinion agreed to by all who investigate it.

Personally I disagree with all of the above, and here’s my reasoning. TRUTH is absolute, eternal, infinite, unchangeable/immutable, neither subjective nor individualistic. And it transcends human reason. For me, those defining terms describe the attributes I often apply to God. Therefore, TRUTH = GOD, GOD = TRUTH! And both are undefinable as our mortal minds cannot express, experience, or understand the totality of either word!

So what all that boils down to is this: what YOU believe is absolute, undeniable TRUTH/GOD is personal and limited to YOUR understanding and beliefs. The same is true for me and everyone else, according to each one’s awareness or comprehension. You and I may agree or have the same understanding of TRUTH, that is, we are of like minds in this regard. But just because something is TRUE for us, doesn’t mean our definition is absolute – right/accurate for ALL OTHER THINKING MINDS! That’s why I don’t believe you can teach TRUTH. I can teach what I believe is true, but my belief is limited by my own understanding – as would be yours!