“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

The classic question of ‘what is truth’ seems to be answered these days with the comments that truth is something relative and we all have our own truths. There is something to that comment, even Gandhi who called his life an ‘experiment in truth’ referred to his ‘opinion of truth.’ But many believe, as I do, there is some objective truth that we must seek and act on.

Jesus also said “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6) and “In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18: 37). In major religious faiths you find some common values and truths, like the dignity and value of human life.

If we believe something is true, like teaching killing at Marquette is contrary to our Gospel and faith than we have an obligation in conscience to act on this truth. Dorothy Day, co-founder of the Catholic Worker movement says that we must follow our conscience even if it is an erroneous one.

I noticed these days when you express your ‘opinion of the truth’ and explain why you believe this is true, people who disagree, often do not enter in a creative dialog but simply ignore you and your message of truth. I find this happened with my recent letter to the executive directors of St. Vincent De Paul voicing my opinion of the truth why the move to invest 3.2 million dollars in a store in suburbs was against the mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. So far they just ignored my letter as they have done many times before when I have said something they do not agree with. In other words, instead of recognizing someone’s opinion of truth’ and trying to reconcile that with you own ‘opinion of truth’ they just ignore the message. Clarification of the truth cannot happen where there is no dialog or discussion. Thus, all parties keep on doing the same thing which leads all further away from truth. There is truth in the world but unless we seek and struggle for the truth it will not be discovered. Truth is a result of creative conflict and struggle.

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