“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). In an era dominated by misinformation, emotionalism, and ideological confusion, this claim resonates with renewed urgency. The post-truth culture, born out of postmodern skepticism, denies the possibility of objective reality. In such a climate, the Church faces a fundamental challenge: how to proclaim the gospel of truth to a world that mistrusts truth itself. This article argues that a rational apologetic—grounded in Scripture, reason, and historical reflection—offers a compelling way forward for engaging skeptics in a post-truth world.
The Rise of Post-Truth Culture
Oxford Dictionaries defines post-truth as “circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.”¹ Sociopolitical polarization, media fragmentation, and the rise of “alternative facts” have collectively undermined public confidence in truth. Philosopher Lee McIntyre warns that post-truth is not just about lying—it’s about an ideological shift in which truth becomes irrelevant.²
This erosion of truth stems partly from postmodernism, which questions reason, challenges stable identity, and views truth as a human construct.³ Postmodern thinkers reject grand narratives—such as Christianity or Enlightenment rationalism—and instead elevate personal perspective over objective evidence.⁴ As Douglas Groothuis observes, postmodern culture has made “peace with a poisonous view of truth, an untrue view of truth.”⁵
The result is a society where personal feeling supersedes shared reality. Public discourse is fractured, traditional sources of authority are distrusted, and faith is seen not as truth-seeking but as emotional escapism. How, then, can Christian apologetics speak meaningfully in such a context?
Rational Apologetics: Faith Seeking Understanding
Rather than dismissing reason or reacting defensively, Christian apologetics must reengage the post-truth audience with rational clarity and theological depth. Rational apologetics is a classical method that uses logic, evidence, and philosophical argumentation to defend the faith. As R.C. Sproul writes, “The task of apologetics is to show that the evidence…is compelling and worthy of our full commitment.”⁶
This method does not demand blind faith. Instead, it appeals to human reason to affirm the credibility of Christian claims. Sproul adds that before someone can accept the gospel, they must first understand their need for salvation, the existence of God, and the reality of judgment.⁷ These truths can be grasped and explored through rational reflection.
Such an approach resonates even with skeptics shaped by postmodern thought. As John Frame notes, “Faith is not mere rational thought, but it is not irrational either. It rests on sufficient evidence.”⁸ Christian faith is not fideism—it is belief rooted in divine revelation, historical testimony, and coherent reasoning.⁹
Jesus and the Nature of Truth ️
Central to rational apologetics is the biblical understanding of truth. Scripture presents truth not as subjective interpretation but as divine reality. The psalmist calls God “the God of truth” (Psalm 31:5), and Jesus proclaims, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).¹⁰
The Hebrew term ’emet conveys stability, reliability, and conformity to reality.¹¹ The Greek aletheia continues this meaning in the New Testament, portraying truth as that which aligns with God’s character and revelation.¹² Jesus embodies this truth—not merely teaching it, but being it. As Robert Mounce emphasizes, “Only Jesus perfectly embodies truth itself.”¹³
This is crucial in countering post-truth relativism. While feelings may fluctuate, Jesus remains the unchanging truth. His life, death, resurrection, and teachings confront postmodern subjectivity and affirm a transcendent, knowable reality.
Objective Truth as Gospel Foundation
In defending Christianity against post-truth ideology, rational apologetics must center on Jesus as the eternal truth. As Paul Gould notes, Jesus’ statements—such as “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58)—claim divine identity and timeless reality.¹⁴ This challenges the idea that truth is socially constructed or relative.
Norman Geisler’s classical apologetics approach affirms this by progressing from the knowability of truth to the divinity of Christ. If truth exists and is knowable, and if Jesus claimed to be God and confirmed that claim through miracles, fulfilled prophecy, and resurrection, then Jesus is the truth.¹⁵ Faith in Him is not irrational—it is the rational response to compelling evidence.
Conclusion: Witnessing in a World of Doubt
Post-truth culture may be skeptical, but it is not beyond reach. By engaging with thoughtful arguments, historical foundations, and biblical fidelity, rational apologetics offers a bridge between faith and reason. In doing so, it speaks to the deeper human hunger for stability, meaning, and transcendence.
Jesus is not post-truth—He is preeminent truth. In a fragmented world, He is the steady anchor. The Church’s task is not to conform to cultural confusion but to stand firm on the rock of eternal truth, and to invite others to do the same.
References
- Lee McIntyre, Post-Truth (Cambridge: MIT Press, 2018), 5.
- Ibid., 6–10.
- Stewart E. Kelly, Understanding Postmodernism: A Christian Perspective (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2017), 5–6.
- Douglas R. Groothuis, Truth Decay: Defending Christianity Against the Challenges of Postmodernism (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000), 28.
- Ibid., 23.
- R.C. Sproul, Defending Your Faith: An Introduction to Apologetics (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2003), 25.
- Ibid., 23.
- John M. Frame, Apologetics: A Justification of Christian Belief (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2015), 63.
- James Porter Moreland, Love Your God With All Your Mind (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2012), 19.
- Walter A. Elwell, Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2001), 1219.
- Groothuis, Truth Decay, 60.
- D.M. Crump, “Truth,” in Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, ed. Joel B. Green et al. (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1992), 859.
- David E. Garland, Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Luke–Acts, vol. 10 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), 561.
- Paul M. Gould et al., Stand Firm (Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2018), 90.
- Kenneth Boa and Robert Bowman, Faith Has Its Reasons (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2005), 57.
Bibliography
Boa, Kenneth, and Robert Bowman. Faith Has Its Reasons. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2005. Crump, D.M. “Truth.” In Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, edited by Joel B. Green et al. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1992.
Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2001.
Frame, John M. Apologetics: A Justification of Christian Belief. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2015.
Garland, David E. Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Luke–Acts. Vol. 10. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011. Geisler, Norman L. Christian Apologetics. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013.
Groothuis, Douglas R. Truth Decay. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000.
Kelly, Stewart E. Understanding Postmodernism. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2017.
McIntyre, Lee. Post-Truth. Cambridge: MIT Press, 2018.
Moreland, James P. Love Your God With All Your Mind. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2012.
Sproul, R.C. Defending Your Faith. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2003.
Gould, Paul M., Travis Dickinson, and R. Keith Loftin. Stand Firm. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2018.
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