Does truth actually exist? Can we know it? Or is everything just a matter of perspective?

Before anyone can meaningfully ask whether Christianity is true, we must first answer a more foundational question: What is truth?

This episode lays the philosophical foundation for the Christian faith by exploring the nature of truth itself. If truth does not exist, cannot be known, or is merely relative, then every worldview—including Christianity—collapses. But if truth exists and can be known, then we have a firm foundation for discovering what is actually true about God, reality, and ourselves.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Does truth exist? Why every attempt to deny truth ultimately affirms it.
• What is truth? Why truth is best understood as that which corresponds to reality.
• Can truth be known? Why genuine knowledge of reality is possible.
• Is truth absolute? Why contradictory truth claims cannot all be true at the same time and in the same sense.
• How should Christians answer objections to truth? Practical responses to some of the most common challenges raised against objective truth.

The episode also examines and answers the major worldviews that challenge objective truth, including:

• Denialism — "Truth doesn't exist."
• Agnosticism — "Truth cannot be known."
• Skepticism — "We should doubt all truth claims."
• Postmodernism — "There is no objective truth."
• Relativism — "All truth is relative."
• Perspectivism — "Truth depends upon one's perspective."

Drawing from Scripture, philosophy, and careful logic, this episode demonstrates that these competing worldviews ultimately undermine themselves, while the biblical view of truth remains intellectually coherent and practically unavoidable.

If Christianity is true, then truth must first exist, be knowable, and be absolute. This episode begins building that foundation.

Key Scriptures: 1 Peter 3:15; Jude 3; Titus 1:9; 1 Corinthians 10:5; Proverbs 26:4–5; Deuteronomy 18:22; Genesis 42:16; Acts 24; 2 Timothy 2:13.

Recommended Resources

• Geisler, Norman L., and Frank Turek. I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2004. Chapter 1.
• Geisler, Norman L. The Big Book of Christian Apologetics. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2012. See "Truth, Nature of" (p. 56), "Hume, David" (p. 251), and "Kant, Immanuel" (p. 291).
• Geisler, Norman L., and Ronald M. Brooks. When Skeptics Ask. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1990. Chapter 12.
• Geisler, Norman L. Christian Apologetics. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1976. Chapters 1–7.

Questions or topic suggestions?
Email: questions@actualanswerspodcast.com

Christianity doesn't fear questions—it provides actual answers.

Did Jesus of Nazareth actually exist, or is He simply a legendary figure invented by early Christians?

In this episode of Actual Answers, we examine the historical evidence using the same standards historians apply to every figure from the ancient world. We explore the testimony of Jewish and Roman historians, the earliest Christian documents, the remarkable creed preserved in 1 Corinthians 15, and the conclusions of modern scholars—including agnostics and atheists.

The question isn't whether Jesus existed—that is one of the least disputed facts in ancient history. The real question is what His existence means.

Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you understand why the historical case for Jesus is far stronger than many realize.

Topics Covered:

• Why virtually all historians agree Jesus existed
• Non-Christian historical sources (Josephus, Tacitus, Pliny, and others)
• Why the New Testament should be treated as historical evidence
• The earliest Christian creed in 1 Corinthians 15
• What modern skeptical scholars say about Jesus' existence
• Why the real question isn't whether Jesus existed, but who He was

Books

• Bart D. Ehrman — Did Jesus Exist? The Historical Argument for Jesus of Nazareth
• F. F. Bruce — The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable?
• Craig L. Blomberg — The Historical Reliability of the Gospels
• Richard Bauckham — Jesus and the Eyewitnesses
• Gary R. Habermas & Michael R. Licona — The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus
• Wayne Grudem — Systematic Theology (for the person and work of Christ)

Ancient Sources Discussed

• Josephus — Antiquities of the Jews
• Tacitus — Annals
• Pliny the Younger — Letters
• Suetonius — The Twelve Caesars
• Lucian of Samosata — The Death of Peregrine
• Mara bar Serapion — Letter to His Son

Scripture

• Luke 1:1–4
• 1 Corinthians 15:3–8
• John 20:30–31

Few teachings of Jesus have produced more fear, confusion, and speculation than "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit." Is it suicide? Murder? Adultery? Denying Christ? A particular phrase spoken in anger? Or is it something a Christian can accidentally commit?

In this episode, we go directly to the biblical text and carefully examine what Jesus actually said, what the Pharisees were doing, and why this sin is uniquely described as unforgivable. Along the way, we'll explore the major views Christians have held throughout church history and consider the relationship between blasphemy, hardness of heart, repentance, and the convicting work of the Holy Spirit.

Most importantly, we'll answer the question that troubles so many consciences: How do I know if I've committed it?

Christianity doesn't fear questions—it provides actual answers. Join us as we seek one from Scripture.

Recommended Reading:
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Zondervan Academic). See especially Chapter 24, "The Doctrine of Man," for his discussion of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and the unforgivable sin on pages 637–639.