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A fundamental question underlies all of our attempts at morality and social order, according to Charles Colson in his book Burden of Truth. Before we begin to discern what is right and wrong, he writes, we must ask, "How do we know there is truth?"
Colson places so much emphasis on this simple question, because "it has become more important than ever to frame arguments based on truth itself . . . to make clear that we owe allegiance to these moral standards, not just because they work well in society, but because they are true."
Throughout the book, Colson, who co-writes with BreakPoint television program editor Anne Morse, proves that a society's morals too often are shaped by popular opinion rather than absolute truth. (Colson briefly acknowledges that without truth, it is too easy for humans to rationalize their behavior, as he did during his Watergate involvement as President Nixon's special counsel.)
Thus, Colson spells out the purpose of this book: to prepare readers to recognize lies, consider what the truth claims and defend it, and apply the truth to their lives. Readers are reminded early on and frequently that the One who said "I am the way, the truth and the life," is the Answer.
The book is divided into ten sections; each section consists of several one-to-two-page articles on everything from Darwinism to art; all are a call to Christian social action. Regarding our school systems, readers are urged to examine what schools are teaching children, including subjects such as sex education. Colson warns against sex education that comes from the standpoint that youth are mature and stable enough to make the right choices once they're presented with all the options. He writes that this "lets adults off the hook and leaves kids to fend for themselves in today's freewheeling sexual culture."
In many articles, the theme is that Christians should continue to educate themselves in order to be better prepared to defend truth. To stave off growing illiteracy problems that are a result of our technologically advanced world, Colson recommends becoming well-read in contemporary and classic literature. He also repeatedly nudges readers to examine the facts surrounding the longstanding debate on creation and evolution. Citing names of believers who also were scientists, Colson exhorts Christians to "reclaim our rich heritage in science."
In Burden of Truth, Colson succeeds in his effort to help readers question "norms" and search for higher truth. The ideas he presents demand a response from their readers.
Jenna DeMarco is a freelance reviewer in Wilmore, KY.
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