Allies in the Struggle Against the Post-Truth Swarm. Issue 4 (2nd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peters, Ted
• Is Part Of: Theology and science. Volume 17:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 427
• Page End: 430
• Publication Date: 2019-10-02
• Subjects: Truth -- fact -- theology -- science -- classic -- public theology -- Scientific American -- evidence-based reasoning; Religion and science -- Periodicals; Theology -- Periodicals; 261.55
• DOI: 10.1080/14746700.2019.1670927
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1474-6700

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Unless we presuppose a commitment to truth and reason, averred Plato, we end up in mania. In other words, we go crazy. Today we are threatened with craziness by the post-truth forces of the worldwide web combined with governments which rely on alternative facts if not outright lies. In contrast, both natural science and Christian theology thrive in democratic societies because of their assumptions: science relies on evidence-based reasoning while faith relies on the divine promise of finally seeing the truth beyond the glass darkly. This article advances the thesis that, in our post-truth cultural context, theologians should ally with scientists to battle the enemies of truth.