Discerning Truth Getting Started

Discerning Truth Getting Started

5.1 Discerning Truth Getting Started
What is Truth to you? Is there an absolute Truth? Is truth dependent upon the person and thus “subject” to each individual’s interpretation of it? Or, does Truth exist outside of one’s subjective perspective and opinion? Is it absolute and thus exists independent of what you or I say, do, think, or believe?
If Truth exists outside of our subjective nature, if it is independent of our interpretation or belief system, then how do we discern what Truth really is? Do we know it when we hear it? Do we feel it when we experience it? How can we trust ourselves to know what is True and what is merely opinion?Order From Course Researchers Discerning Truth Getting StartedUpon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:
• Share what Truth means to you.
• Explain how you discern Truth in your life.

Background Information
Consider the following passage from John, Chapter 10:
Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews who were there gathered around Him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in My Father’s name testify about Me, but you do not believe because you are not My sheep. My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

Again His Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone Him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone Me?” “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are “gods”’? If He called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside—what about the one whom the Father set apart as His very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse Me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? Do not believe me unless I do the works of My Father. But if I do them, even though you do not believe Me, believe the works that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.” Again they tried to seize Him, but He escaped their grasp. Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. There He stayed, and many people came to Him. They said, “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.” And in that place many believed in Jesus. (John 10:22–42)Order From Course Researchers Discerning Truth Getting StartedHow was it that some heard Jesus and understood His message and meaning, while others did not believe Him and instead wanted to stone him? If you were listening to His message, would you listen and hear Him? Would you believe His message to be True? How would you know?

Instructions
1. respond to the following:
a. Share what Truth means to you.
b. Explain how you discern Truth in your life.
2. Your postings should also:
a. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.
b. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.

5.1 Discerning Truth Discussion Post Sample

The Meaning of Truth to Me

Truth to a person means authenticity, honesty, and integrity in one’s thoughts, words, and actions. It represents a commitment to facing reality as it is, without illusions or self-deception. According to (John 10:22–42) passage, Jesus was on the side of the truth, and He was ready to uphold it despite the consequences.  Truth involves an alignment between what one believes and what one expresses or does. Truth is the an-tecedent to trust, and trust is the antecedent to cooperation (Sanney et al., 2019). To an individual, living truthfully brings clarity and trust, both internally and in relationships with others. It also fosters personal growth by encouraging self-awareness and the courage to accept things as they are. Truth forms the foundation of meaningful connections, ethical behavior, and moral decision-making in life.

How I Discern Truth in My Life

I discern truth in my life by combining rational analysis with emotional and intuitive understanding. I assess information from the lens of self-awareness, critical thinking, and an open to different perspectives. I self-reflect on personal values, beliefs, and experiences to gain insight into what feels true and authentic. I seek evidence alongside applying critical thinking to question assumptions and examine reasoning behind beliefs. I also follow my intution to trust inner feelings and instincts, which often signal discomfort when something is untrue or misaligned.

Reference 

Sanney, K. J., Trautman, L. J., Yordy, E. D., Cowart, T. W., & Sewell, D. J. L. (2020). The importance of truth telling and trust. Journal of Legal Studies Education, 37(1), 7–36. http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3430854