‘Post Truth’, newly defined by Oxford Dictionaries as an adjective, “Relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief”. Tell me the sky is blue, or the earth is round, but if I don’t feel it to be true, you might just as well talk to the brick wall.
Feel a little confused by this definition, or more to the point over why Brexit and Donald Trump? Remember times past when the evangelist shared the truth of the Gospel, and called for the listener to respond? The very same truth Peter shared in AD 34, “This Jesus, God raised up” (Acts 2:32) we still preach and call for response today. But as every preacher, evangelist and bible teacher knows, presentation of facts alone is not enough. My Northern Irish Protestant friend knew this as he passionately and earnestly tried to convince me of one of the Five Points of Calvinism, stabbing his bible with his forefinger over the words of John 6:44, exclaiming, “Don’t you see it”! To his disappointment, I did not.
“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then – He (gave the invitation), “Follow Me”. “ (Ministry of Healing, p.143, edited for emphasis)
‘Post Truth’ reminds me that we too quickly give the invitation without building the trust, with little result, or one that does not last. While the end-time message is urgent, the Spirit convicts people in His time, not ours. We’ve still a mountain to climb learning this.
‘Post Truth’ most certainly does not define for us, the supernatural and unlimited support of the Holy Spirit in our preaching and teaching. Neither must it diminish trust and confidence in the relevance of holy scripture for these times. Surely, in the darkness of uncertain times, the certainty of Christ incarnate, crucified, risen and triumphant King shines even brighter.
‘Post Truth’ is perplexing, but not distressing! For sure, a definition with a political context, and we’d be foolish to ignore the trend, but it gives no reason to shrink or be timid about our message, as on occasion we have been in response to Post-Modernism.
Tony Campolo said a long time ago that the overwhelming characteristic of 21st century Christianity would be ‘experiential’. ‘Post Truth’, somewhat confirms his prediction. I wonder what would happen if our preaching and teaching today made greater use of our personal testimony.
“You ask me, how I know He lives? He lives, within my heart”.