(Clip) The Only Alternative to Absolute Truth Be Ruled By Tyrants
John Piper warns that rejecting absolute truth inevitably leads to tyranny, urging believers to uphold biblical truth to avoid the destructive consequences of moral relativism.
This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of acknowledging and submitting to absolute truth as the ultimate arbiter in our lives. Without a foundation in truth, the only recourse in conflicts becomes the assertion of power, leading to tyranny. The speaker warns against the dangers of relativism and the consequences of a society where individuals determine their own truth, ultimately resulting in chaos and oppression.
Full Transcript
If there is no absolute truth functioning as the arbiter that two people in an argument with each other can appeal to, there's only one appeal left, power. And therefore, might will make right. And that's the definition of a tyrant.
There is no alternative. You better hope that all those loosey-goosey, mushy Christians that talk in vague, hazy terms about propositions being old-fashioned enlightenment ways of doing truth better not carry the day. They prepare the jails that tyrants will put you in when you claim that it's wrong to put me there for just believing what I believe, and they will say, who are you to say what's right and wrong? What's right to me is right to me, and I've got the sword.
You don't want to go there. Don't play, students, in the university with epistemology. Don't play games with epistemology.
Huge things are at stake in how you view whether there is such a thing as truth or not. We're not playing games. This pays a price.
Oh no, if you have to know two centuries of history, if you have to know two centuries of history, know the first and know the twentieth. Know Christ and know the gulag. Know Hitler.
Know Mussolini. Know Stalin. Don't be ignorant of what price has been paid for those who think they can call the shots without submitting to any absolute truth.
Know at least two centuries, because the twentieth was the worst, and the first introduced the best.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The necessity of absolute truth as an arbiter
- Consequences of rejecting absolute truth
- Definition and nature of tyranny
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II
- The dangers of vague and relativistic thinking
- The role of epistemology in belief systems
- The cost of ignoring absolute truth
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III
- Historical examples of tyranny without absolute truth
- Contrast between Christ’s truth and 20th-century tyrants
- The importance of learning from history
Key Quotes
“If there is no absolute truth functioning as the arbiter that two people in an argument with each other can appeal to, there's only one appeal left, power.” — John Piper
“Might will make right. And that's the definition of a tyrant.” — John Piper
“Know Christ and know the gulag. Know Hitler. Know Mussolini. Know Stalin.” — John Piper
Application Points
- Commit to upholding absolute biblical truth in all areas of life to resist cultural relativism.
- Study history to understand the dangers of rejecting absolute truth and the rise of tyranny.
- Avoid vague or relativistic thinking about truth and instead ground your beliefs in Scripture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does John Piper emphasize absolute truth?
He believes absolute truth is essential to prevent moral chaos and tyranny, as without it, power becomes the ultimate authority.
What does Piper mean by 'might makes right'?
He means that without absolute truth, disputes are settled by whoever has power, leading to tyranny.
How does history relate to the sermon's message?
Piper points to historical tyrants like Hitler and Stalin as examples of the consequences of rejecting absolute truth.
What is epistemology and why is it important here?
Epistemology is the study of knowledge; Piper warns against relativistic epistemology that denies absolute truth.
What practical advice does Piper give to students?
He advises students not to play games with epistemology and to firmly hold to biblical truth.