Begin with Scripture

• John presents truth as personal and revealed: grace and truth come through Jesus Christ.
• The Psalms describe God's word as a lamp, not a spotlight on everything at once.
• The New Testament calls believers to test claims rather than accept every spirit.

Historical context

• Early Christians made truth claims in a world of competing philosophies, religions, and imperial loyalties.
• The Gospels were public testimony about events, teaching, death, and resurrection.
• Christian apologetics grew from worship and witness before it became an academic discipline.

What Christians have believed

• Truth is grounded in God, who is faithful and not self-contradictory.
• Human knowing is real but limited, so confidence and humility belong together.
• The church has confessed that Christ is not merely a teacher of truth but the Truth.

Common objections

• If people disagree, does that mean truth cannot be known?
• Can finite humans know anything about an infinite God?
• Does certainty lead to arrogance?

Prayer and reflection

• Ask for love of truth without contempt for people who disagree.
• Name one question you are avoiding because it feels too large.
• Pray for courage to follow truth where Scripture leads.

Suggested passages