It’s Christmas Day 2008 in the city of Varanasi, India. I’m hanging out in a ‘Jesus ashram’ and chatting to some spiritually minded expats. Our conversation turns to the topic of right and wrong, but it becomes clear that for the people I am speaking with, these categories don’t exist.

In fact, any notion of truth is slippery for them since we’re all just spirit (naturally). My teenage self was in shock after that conversation because it was the first time I had ever spoken to anyone who didn’t hold to an objective idea of truth. Over a decade later, the shock has subsided. Almost every day I read an article, see a post, or hear a snippet proclaiming that truth is not objective, but personal, relative, or even a hindrance!

In his new book Truth Be Told Anglican Minister and Moore College lecturer Lionel Windsor insightfully critiques our world’s approach to truth and brings us back to a biblical foundation. As someone who is chronically online and often wondering about our society’s loose attitude to truth, reading Truth Be Told felt like regaining my sanity. 

The book is helpfully arranged in three sections. The first outlines the ways in which truth is in trouble in our world, whether it be in politics, our institutions, via technology, generally throughout culture and (like a sucker-punch) within ourselves. That last one shouldn't have been such a surprise to me given I know the doctrine of sin. Yet, since I often assume that society’s truth problem is external to me, it was helpful to be reminded that I too, am fundamentally predisposed to lying.

The second section surveys what the Bible has to say about truth. Lionel reminds us that truth is indeed personal, not because it is individual, but because truth is a person. In the Old Testament God reveals his character to be truthful, faithful, and loving, and in the New Testament we meet these qualities in the flesh in the incarnate Son. Lionel takes us on a tour of epistles with a particular emphasis on truth, showing us the implications of living under the Lordship of the one who has truth in himself. I finished this section encouraged yet again by the knowledge that I have a sure and steady anchor.

The third section gives practical guidance on developing habits of truthfulness. I appreciated this because it reminded me that finding truth is less about untangling the social media landscape and more about emulating Christ’s faithfulness in my community. Truth telling is challenging as it often involves the painful work of humble confession and repentance, and asking for forgiveness. But equally, I was encouraged that God’s grace in Christ means that pursuing truth is not only possible but imperative. Some takeaways I am mulling over include the distinction between authenticity and integrity, reminding myself to be careful in the promises I make and to show up when I do, and wondering about whether I am being truly honest in my evangelism.

At the risk of sounding like a sycophantic, uncritical reader, I don't have any complaints about this book! It was just brilliant and exactly what I needed. I think it is required reading for any Christian who is even vaguely aware that we are living in a post-truth world.

To coincide with our annual conference, EQUIP Picks are 10 great reads, chosen and reviewed by the EQUIP Women Team for women.

EQUIP24 Picks will be available for a limited time online via our ministry partner, Reformers Bookshop.

A percentage of the sales from books bought via the above link will support our CMS missionary, M.

Meet Chris Brandson

Chris serves with her family at an Anglican church in southwest Sydney. Chris has been involved with EQUIP Teens.