What is Truth? - Discussed.
There has been a catastrophic discovery that threatens the entire modern project: truth exists, and worse—it does not require your consent.
Scientists (also known historically as “philosophers,” “the Church,” and “everyone with a functioning brain prior to 1968”) have confirmed that truth is not a vibe, not a mood, not a personal brand, and not something you “live into” after a juice cleanse and three TED Talks.
This revelation has devastated modern man, who until now believed truth was something he could identify as, preferably on social media.
Modern Truth™ vs. Actual Truth
Modernity defines truth as follows:
“Truth is whatever feels authentic or good to me at this exact moment, and no one may challenge it.”
Catholicism, inconveniently, disagrees.
The Catholic definition of Truth—borrowed from Aristotle and sharpened by St. Thomas Aquinas—is:
Truth is the conformity of the intellect to reality
(adaequatio intellectus et rei)
— St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae I, q.16, a.1
This definition is horrifying to the modern mind because it means:
Reality exists.
Reality has a structure.
You might be wrong.
Naturally, this is considered violence.
Why Modernity Hates Truth
Truth is deeply offensive to modern man because Truth:
Places limits on atomistic, individualistic desires
Judges actions
Does not care about your intentions
Exists before you and after you
In short, Truth doesn’t participate in your “self-discovery” journey.
The Catechism states bluntly:
“Truth or falsehood is the adequation of the intellect and reality.” (CCC 2469)
Note what is not included:
“Lived experience”
“Personal narrative”
“What feels safe”
In short, Truth does not attend your therapy session.
Enter Christ: The Ultimate Trigger Warning
Just when things couldn’t get worse for modern relativism, Christ shows up and says:
“I am the way, and the Truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
Not:
“I affirm your truth”
“I respect your journey”
“I am one option among many equally valid paths”
No. He says I am the Truth.
This is either:
The most arrogant statement ever made.
Or the single most important truth in human history.
Catholicism understands it is option #2.
Christ does not merely teach truth—He is Truth itself, because He is God. All created Truth participates in Him.
As Aquinas explains:
“God Himself is the first and supreme Truth.”
— Summa Theologiae I, q.16, a.5
Which means reality is not centered on you.
It is centered on Christ.
Specifically, on Jesus Christ—not your inner child.
“My Truth” Is Not a Thing (Sorry)
When someone says, “I’m just living my truth,” what they usually mean is:
“I don’t want my desires questioned.”
But desire does not create reality. If it did:
Diets would work
Student loans would disappear
Everyone would be morally excellent
Truth is not manufactured internally. It is received.
As St. Augustine put it (long before Instagram bios):
“Truth is not what you wish it to be.”
(paraphrased brutally but accurately)
Love Without Truth Is Just Sentimentality With a Hashtag
Modern culture says:
“Love means never telling someone they’re wrong.”
Catholicism says:
“Love means willing the good of the other.”
— St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae I–II, q.26, a.4
If an action is objectively harmful, affirming it is not love—it is cowardice and abandonment.
Christ does not save us by validating us.
He saves us by changing us.
Which brings us back to the problem.
The Real Scandal of Christianity
The real scandal is not moral teaching.
It is not discipline.
It is not doctrine.
The scandal is this:
Reality has a meaning, and you are accountable to it.
Truth judges us.
Truth frees us.
Truth saves us.
And Truth has a name.
A Final Catholic Mic Drop
Truth is not oppressive.
It is liberating.
As Christ Himself says:
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)
Not because Truth is comfortable— but because it is real.
Modernity offers affirmation without salvation.
Christ offers salvation—on reality’s terms.
And yes, that’s very inconvenient.
