Promoting Truth...or just True Facts?
What is the difference between the two?
I was listening to Ben Shapiro while on a run this morning. Now, before you stop reading because I mentioned that name, know that I’m not going into political current events.
He opened his show responding to allegations that his company, the Daily Wire, is basically teetering on failure because they laid off some of their employees recently. He talked about his philosophy of business and the worldview/mindset behind his show. He said at one point in this segement that, to him, it isn’t about the number of clicks, the subscriber count, the viral moments, etc. He said since he first started in politics at 17, his interest has always been about examining and making known the truth regardless of the numbers. He essentially said that he would rather completely fail by talking truth than to be successful by just saying the thing that would make him famous.
He ended the segment with his signature phrase, “Facts don’t care about your feelings.”
I don’t always agree with Shapiro’s analysis. In fact, I find myself disagreeing with him quite often. But I will say, he promotes the facts of the situation and then offers his commentary in a way that reflects that which he believes is true. Even if you completely disagree with him and his political ideology, I think it’s hard to argue that his reporting (not his commentary or interpretation) is usually very fact driven. He wants to know what’s true. Take or leave his opinions, but he broadcasts what he thinks is true and what he thinks is best. You ought to respect the drive, even if you don’t respect his views.
If you don’t know, Ben Shapiro is Jewish. He isn’t just Jewish in his bloodline, he is a very committed, practicing Jew. As he was talking through this segment, it made me think about the fact that he is all about the facts, but as someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus, he isn’t actually seeking the truth.
John 14:6 says, “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life…’” Jesus wasn’t claiming to speak true things (though he did); he claimed to be the essence of truth. He claimed that true facts of life are based on him being behind and beyond the facts; he is ultimate reality. He is the foundation on which all true things are based. He is truth personified.
When Jesus was standing before Pilate prior to the crucifixion, John 18 quotes Jesus saying, “‘I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.’ ‘What is truth?’ said Pilate.”
Jesus uses the noun truth, not the adjective true. Ultimate truth must reside behind the world which we see. It must transcend politics, philosophy, ethics, morals, and yes, even religion. Truth is a person, and unless you believe him to be who he said he is, you might have a firm grasp on true facts, but you don’t have the Truth.
True facts are important; we should not build anything from an opinion to an empire based on lies. But true facts are not of first importance; the voice of Truth is. Don’t miss the forest for the trees. Don’t get so caught up in your search of true things that you forget to seek the Truth.
Facts may not care about your feelings, but the Truth cares about your heart.