Saving Truth Finding Meaning and Clarity in A Post Truth World Murray

It is quite easy to see why Murray feels the way he does about our society; however, I am not sure if our society should be dubbed as a “culture of confusion”. According to webster dictionary, the definition of confusion is the quality of being confused or lack understanding. Murray states, “confusion is embraced as a virtue; clarity is shunned as sin”. When considering what confusion truly means, our culture is not confused, but corrupt. When society rejects truth and “objective” facts because it does not coincide with their desires or their own personal beliefs, this is not confusion. Hosea 4:6 tells us, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” There is no lack of understanding, but a corruptible heart at work. Society understands truth, but does not want to accept truth especially when it contradicts human desires or special agendas. The post truth mindset appeals to the emotions of a man. Emotions change with every situation and is unstable. The fact that society prefers information that appeals to their emotions helps one to understand there is no confusion.

Murray illustrated how society has embraced a post truth mindset which can be seen in various groups which may include, politicians, scientists, as well as Christians. The demonstration regarding the judge and the homosexual that attempted to sue Christian publishers sought to declare the bible as being unfavorable to homosexuals. They wanted monetary rewards for pain and suffering stating the bible is unfavorable to them. Per Murray, the case was dismissed by a judge with moral principles basically stating there was no legal grounds for the plaintiffs to file suit. However, it is my opinion Murray demonstrated the use or shall I say the abuse of power based on one’s own feelings about certain groups of people.

Murray discussed the post truth mindsets and how this has infiltrated society and I concur in regards to the ability of society to shun truth for personal benefits or when facts do not appeal to their emotions however, this behavior does not coincide with the term confusion. Today’s culture has tons of questions; however, it overlooks facts in regards to the answers they seek. They believe this neglect gives them the right to disrespect the position of others. It is my belief that many people overlook the truth because it somehow excuses their poor judgment, justifies bad decisions and unjust behaviors. Again, there is still no lack of understanding. A choice is made. Free will is active in every living soul.

When discussing the church, one must understand though Christians are striving to be like Jesus, we are only human and being human, we are capable of making bad choices, following the wrong crowd and pacifying our own insecurities in the form of gossiping, backbiting etc. Though, these qualities are not favorable in the site of Jesus, they are exhibited in many Christians today.

Do you agree or disagree with Murray’s analysis of the broader societal culture of confusion and the culture of confusion within the church? Why or why not?

done

1 day ago

After carefully reading chapters one and two of Saving Truth Finding Meaning & Clarity in a Post-Truth World by Abdu Murray, I truly agree with Murray’s analysis of the broader societal culture of confusion and the culture of confusion within the church. Recently I had a very unpleasant conversation with my husband about religion. To be honest, it was a very frightening conversation. For the first time in the 28 years we have known each other, I have never known him to question Jesus Christ legitimacy. The conversation involved the Muslim religion verses Christians. I must admit my fear of him questioning the mere legitimacy of Jesus caused me to react like the Christians mentioned in chapter one. I did not yell, but I sternly let him know how furious I was for him uttering those words. I respect my husband as the leader of our family. My initial fear was because if he did not believe in Jesus where did this leave our family. After our intense conversation it led me to do a self-examination of myself. In chapter two it explained my reaction. “Our indignation over the deterioration of the culture may be legitimate, but it can lead to a sinful bitterness.”

Unlike me, my husband was not raised in the church or around those who professed to be Christians or where he could learn the Word of God. I became the representative of Christ. Soon after we married, I had a strong pulling to accept Christ as my Lord and Savior. In my quest to learn more about the Bible, I joined a Baptist church. In the beginning, I paid very close attention to every word ministered. I joined several ministries and was in church almost 5 days a week. The more time I spent the more time I felt like I would never be worthy of God’s word. I felt a pulling to leave that church. For months I did not attend a church. Then I was introduced to another church. The denomination was still Baptist, however there was something different about the Pastor. He uses the approach that Murray took when speaking to the students at various universes. He uses a wise temperament. He too articulates his Christian position without compromise. He allows his actions, not just his words to be a representative of Christ.

After carefully doing a self-examination, I realized that perhaps I was the main reason that my husband questioned Christianity. I have unknowingly become a contributor to the societal culture of confusion and the culture of confusion within the church. Since my realization of my contribution to my husband’s confusion about the true meaning of Christianity and Christ, I am committed to being a part of the solution not the problem. I watch my words closer when speaking to others. I watch my actions to ensure they are representative of a Christlike response. I do not want my actions to be the cause of people turning away from God. I want to be a part of the solution to healing a hurting society.