Nihilism is the absence of truth
Marian-Webster Dictionary Definition of nihilism
1a : a viewpoint that traditional values and beliefs are unfounded and that existence is senseless and useless Nihilism is a condition in which all ultimate values lose their value.— Ronald H. Nash
b : a doctrine that denies any objective ground of truth and especially of moral truths
When Pontius Pilate questioned the Lord Jesus Christ prior to ordering his death, he asked a strange question: “What is truth?” There is little to suggest that the Roman governor had any interest in the answer, as truth had nothing to do with the arrest, trial and execution of the Lord.
Call it the world’s first recorded kangaroo court, one in which the outcome was predetermined and influenced by a wave of negative public outcry. The truth did not matter. The facts did not add up to anything more than a loving expression of God’s grace, with no threat to Roman authority or the Jewish religious establishment. It was the first “Big Lie.”
We OFTEN ignore truth
They say perception is reality. I take exception to this, as the statement is incomplete. Perception is “stronger” than reality, because what people believe, or want to believe, is often driven by false assumptions, preconceived ideas and a lack of reason.
Truth? Once the perception has taken root in the minds of people, no amount of evidence, no clear and obvious truth, and no facts will get in the way. When there is no truth, no absolutes, no accepted common ground, the world gets turned upside-down and nothing in the way of common sense or reason has any place in the public conversation.
We focus on ourselves
This all has to do with our preoccupation with self. We are the center of our universe. Our opinions are more important than any that are not in alignment with our worldview. Unencumbered by an open mind, people latch on to whatever idea suits them. They become steadfast in their belief that the world is flat, science is bad. And if you don’t agree with their position, you are most definitely wrong. The trouble is, when there is no standard, no accepted truth, anything can pass for fact.
The Bible IS Truth!
The Bible still has a reasonable reputation. It’s the “good book” after all and there are still people who will say that the Bible is fine, but keep it to yourself. They may even own one, but seldom, if ever, read it. Or if they do chose to read Scripture, they fail to grasp its intended message.
People get off on theological rabbit chases and wind up missing the point entirely. Armed with their own opinion, they forego the truth for an alternative reality. Their views supersede those of the Biblical writer and as this delusion grows. The truth of the Bible is ignored, forgotten and lost in the conversation.
The Bible interprets itself. Everything is explained. But man loves to make up his own religion. That’s why we get churches preaching anything but Biblical truth in favor of a politically correct. A watered down version of the Gospel.
Questioning the truth of the Bible seems to satisfy an ego need. “Well, I question that…” People sometimes believe they are great intellectual thinkers when in reality they are just refusing to accept the obvious.
Ask God to help
A simple prayer can be a big help. When reading the Bible, ask God to show you the way and help clarify that which you do not understand. What is written? Is it a command, a promise?
Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you through . Ask questions and wait for the answers. The Bible will surprise you at times with its simple truths and challenge you with its complexities. It’s a remarkable book. It offers objective truth, absolutes. It is God speaking to man, giving loving direction on managing the difficulties of modern life.