What Most Christians Get Wrong...

Our Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth said Our Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth said that the truth will set you free. And in that the truth will set you free. And in that the truth will set you free. And in this video, I'm going to show you this this video, I'm going to show you this this video, I'm going to show you this incredible priest who so eloquently incredible priest who so eloquently incredible priest who so eloquently describes why the truth really does describes why the truth really does describes why the truth really does matter, especially as Christians. Here matter, especially as Christians. Here matter, especially as Christians. Here we go. we go. we go. >> At the moment, as we all know, we live >> At the moment, as we all know, we live >> At the moment, as we all know, we live in what is sometimes called a post-truth in what is sometimes called a post-truth in what is sometimes called a post-truth environment. environment. environment. We have people who We have people who We have people who freely and glibly talk about alternative freely and glibly talk about alternative freely and glibly talk about alternative facts. facts. facts. We have bitterly contested accounts of We have bitterly contested accounts of We have bitterly contested accounts of what is true, what is true, what is true, whether it's in the scientific basis for whether it's in the scientific basis for whether it's in the scientific basis for the lockdown in the pandemic, the lockdown in the pandemic, the lockdown in the pandemic, or about what is going on in the streets or about what is going on in the streets or about what is going on in the streets of Gaza. of Gaza. of Gaza. We have a profound We have a profound We have a profound deep-rooted suspicion deep-rooted suspicion deep-rooted suspicion in so many societies across the world in so many societies across the world in so many societies across the world of claims to truth. "You would say that, wouldn't you?" "You would say that, wouldn't you?" is the default response of so many is the default response of so many is the default response of so many people. people. people. >> I mean, how relatable and true is that? >> I mean, how relatable and true is that? >> I mean, how relatable and true is that? I give the example in Britain, if you do I give the example in Britain, if you do I give the example in Britain, if you do live in the UK, we have a news cycle BBC live in the UK, we have a news cycle BBC live in the UK, we have a news cycle BBC News, and we also have different news News, and we also have different news News, and we also have different news outlets like GB News. And if you are outlets like GB News. And if you are outlets like GB News. And if you are someone who watches BBC News and listens someone who watches BBC News and listens someone who watches BBC News and listens to what they say and what they report, to what they say and what they report, to what they say and what they report, and you're someone who listens to BBC to and you're someone who listens to BBC to and you're someone who listens to BBC to GB News, listens to what they say and GB News, listens to what they say and GB News, listens to what they say and report, you are living in completely report, you are living in completely report, you are living in completely different realities. Your North Star of different realities. Your North Star of different realities. Your North Star of what is true, right, and good is in a what is true, right, and good is in a what is true, right, and good is in a different league to the other. And this different league to the other. And this different league to the other. And this is where we are coming to as as a is where we are coming to as as a is where we are coming to as as a society. I think all around the world, society. I think all around the world, society. I think all around the world, whether be the UK here, where what my

whether be the UK here, where what my whether be the UK here, where what my truth is is completely different from truth is is completely different from truth is is completely different from someone else's. Everything is up for someone else's. Everything is up for someone else's. Everything is up for grabs. There is nothing you can not grabs. There is nothing you can not grabs. There is nothing you can not touch where you could say, "Well, that's touch where you could say, "Well, that's touch where you could say, "Well, that's what you think. That's your what you think. That's your what you think. That's your perspective." There is no objective perspective." There is no objective perspective." There is no objective morality. There is no objective truth. morality. There is no objective truth. morality. There is no objective truth. And you are seeing the rebellion, I And you are seeing the rebellion, I And you are seeing the rebellion, I think, of young people, especially in think, of young people, especially in think, of young people, especially in their move towards tradition and their move towards tradition and their move towards tradition and Christianity, especially men. I think Christianity, especially men. I think Christianity, especially men. I think because so many people have looked at because so many people have looked at because so many people have looked at the absolute insanity over years and the absolute insanity over years and the absolute insanity over years and they're saying, "Hang on, this is they're saying, "Hang on, this is they're saying, "Hang on, this is complete mess. This isn't making me complete mess. This isn't making me complete mess. This isn't making me happy. I don't think this is even real. happy. I don't think this is even real. happy. I don't think this is even real. There has to be some truth. There has to There has to be some truth. There has to There has to be some truth. There has to be some order to the chaos cuz I cannot be some order to the chaos cuz I cannot be some order to the chaos cuz I cannot live like this." And I think that's what live like this." And I think that's what live like this." And I think that's what we're seeing so much with this revival. we're seeing so much with this revival. we're seeing so much with this revival. Now, it's mainly young men, not young Now, it's mainly young men, not young Now, it's mainly young men, not young women. You're seeing young women become women. You're seeing young women become women. You're seeing young women become more liberal and you're seeing young men more liberal and you're seeing young men more liberal and you're seeing young men become more conservative. But, I think become more conservative. But, I think become more conservative. But, I think that is to do with that is to do with that is to do with almost like gender norms trying to cling almost like gender norms trying to cling almost like gender norms trying to cling on or salvage anything that's left of on or salvage anything that's left of on or salvage anything that's left of what it means to be a person now in the what it means to be a person now in the what it means to be a person now in the 21st century. And I think he really he 21st century. And I think he really he 21st century. And I think he really he really puts it well there, you know, you really puts it well there, you know, you really puts it well there, you know, you would say that, wouldn't you? Like the would say that, wouldn't you? Like the would say that, wouldn't you? Like the the cohesion of what we believe to be the cohesion of what we believe to be the cohesion of what we believe to be true and right and just is so different.

true and right and just is so different. true and right and just is so different. It's like it's not just someone has a It's like it's not just someone has a It's like it's not just someone has a different vision for the betterment of different vision for the betterment of different vision for the betterment of society and politics, whatever. It's no, society and politics, whatever. It's no, society and politics, whatever. It's no, that person literally wants to destroy that person literally wants to destroy that person literally wants to destroy it and I want to make it better. That's it and I want to make it better. That's it and I want to make it better. That's that's where we've got to. that's where we've got to. that's where we've got to. And it it's a scary place. And when when And it it's a scary place. And when when And it it's a scary place. And when when we don't really have value for truth, we don't really have value for truth, we don't really have value for truth, that's where that's where that's where we go. And Rowan Williams here really we go. And Rowan Williams here really we go. And Rowan Williams here really puts way better than I could about why puts way better than I could about why puts way better than I could about why truth matters because there's a truth matters because there's a truth matters because there's a question, "Well, why does it actually question, "Well, why does it actually question, "Well, why does it actually matter?" Anyway, keep watching cuz it matter?" Anyway, keep watching cuz it matter?" Anyway, keep watching cuz it this he puts it perfectly. this he puts it perfectly. this he puts it perfectly. >> to any claims to truth that make them >> to any claims to truth that make them >> to any claims to truth that make them uncomfortable. uncomfortable. uncomfortable. C.S. Lewis has a wonderful essay C.S. Lewis has a wonderful essay C.S. Lewis has a wonderful essay somewhere somewhere somewhere on the subject where he says we're on the subject where he says we're on the subject where he says we're getting to the point where somebody will getting to the point where somebody will getting to the point where somebody will say, say, say, "Two and two make four." And somebody "Two and two make four." And somebody "Two and two make four." And somebody else will say, "You only say that else will say, "You only say that else will say, "You only say that because you're a mathematician." A horribly prophetic little anecdote, A horribly prophetic little anecdote, I'm afraid. I'm afraid. I'm afraid. But, why does truth matter?

But, why does truth matter? But, why does truth matter? And why is this indifference and And why is this indifference and And why is this indifference and relativism about truth so poisonous for relativism about truth so poisonous for relativism about truth so poisonous for us. I want to suggest that one of the I want to suggest that one of the reasons reasons reasons why truth matters why truth matters why truth matters is that a claim to truth, when made in is that a claim to truth, when made in is that a claim to truth, when made in good faith, good faith, good faith, is really a claim is really a claim is really a claim that you and I are both equally that you and I are both equally that you and I are both equally accountable accountable accountable to something that belongs to neither of to something that belongs to neither of to something that belongs to neither of us. us. us. >> Oh, what an incredible way of putting >> Oh, what an incredible way of putting >> Oh, what an incredible way of putting it. Nobody owns truth. it. Nobody owns truth. it. Nobody owns truth. Really think about that and how Really think about that and how Really think about that and how he nails it. What Why as Christians we he nails it. What Why as Christians we he nails it. What Why as Christians we should value truth. And there's so many should value truth. And there's so many should value truth. And there's so many truths that are uncomfortable like I truths that are uncomfortable like I truths that are uncomfortable like I mean as a Christian, you could look at mean as a Christian, you could look at mean as a Christian, you could look at the the you know, Council of Nicaea and the the you know, Council of Nicaea and the the you know, Council of Nicaea and you could say that's an uncomfortable you could say that's an uncomfortable you could say that's an uncomfortable truth. I mean a lot of people would say, truth. I mean a lot of people would say, truth. I mean a lot of people would say, well, it's the best theologians, you well, it's the best theologians, you well, it's the best theologians, you know, bishops and know, bishops and know, bishops and and Christians coming together with the and Christians coming together with the and Christians coming together with the Holy Spirit to decide on what goes in Holy Spirit to decide on what goes in Holy Spirit to decide on what goes in the Bible, what doesn't. But you could the Bible, what doesn't. But you could the Bible, what doesn't. But you could make the argument, you could say, well, make the argument, you could say, well, make the argument, you could say, well, it's an uncomfortable truth that there it's an uncomfortable truth that there it's an uncomfortable truth that there were books discarded, you know, the were books discarded, you know, the were books discarded, you know, the Gospel of Thomas. Jesus had a family, he Gospel of Thomas. Jesus had a family, he Gospel of Thomas. Jesus had a family, he had a wife, you know, they're all like had a wife, you know, they're all like had a wife, you know, they're all like the uncomfortable truth that in John, the uncomfortable truth that in John, the uncomfortable truth that in John, Jesus' divinity is pronounced far Jesus' divinity is pronounced far Jesus' divinity is pronounced far greater than in the other synoptic greater than in the other synoptic greater than in the other synoptic Gospels, you know.

Gospels, you know. Gospels, you know. I'm I do believe Jesus came to be God, I'm I do believe Jesus came to be God, I'm I do believe Jesus came to be God, but it's fair to say but it's fair to say but it's fair to say that you could go from a narrative of that you could go from a narrative of that you could go from a narrative of saying, well, that was the about over saying, well, that was the about over saying, well, that was the about over time. Now, I would say obviously what time. Now, I would say obviously what time. Now, I would say obviously what Jesus did as a Jew is very clear. He was Jesus did as a Jew is very clear. He was Jesus did as a Jew is very clear. He was um you know, expanding on his divinity um you know, expanding on his divinity um you know, expanding on his divinity and claiming to be God and what he did and claiming to be God and what he did and claiming to be God and what he did and what he said, but it's fair to say and what he said, but it's fair to say and what he said, but it's fair to say that the other Gospel writers didn't that the other Gospel writers didn't that the other Gospel writers didn't include some pretty important claims include some pretty important claims include some pretty important claims that Jesus said or you know, if you look that Jesus said or you know, if you look that Jesus said or you know, if you look at who wrote the Gospels or there's so at who wrote the Gospels or there's so at who wrote the Gospels or there's so many contentions, there's so many many contentions, there's so many many contentions, there's so many intricacies to knowledge. And the truth intricacies to knowledge. And the truth intricacies to knowledge. And the truth is when you really are seeking the truth is when you really are seeking the truth is when you really are seeking the truth in good faith, you are in good faith, you are in good faith, you are at an even playing field with someone at an even playing field with someone at an even playing field with someone else and no one owns the truth. else and no one owns the truth. else and no one owns the truth. You know? In in the kind of mortal You know? In in the kind of mortal You know? In in the kind of mortal sense, mortals a dreadful as though I'm sense, mortals a dreadful as though I'm sense, mortals a dreadful as though I'm talking Harry Potter, but talking Harry Potter, but talking Harry Potter, but I think the way he describes that is so I think the way he describes that is so I think the way he describes that is so perfect cuz in good faith when you're perfect cuz in good faith when you're perfect cuz in good faith when you're really seeking truth, really seeking truth, really seeking truth, you are both coming at it from a place you are both coming at it from a place you are both coming at it from a place of honesty and in a way love really cuz of honesty and in a way love really cuz of honesty and in a way love really cuz I think truth in in a weird way is the I think truth in in a weird way is the I think truth in in a weird way is the closest thing to love, you know? It's closest thing to love, you know? It's closest thing to love, you know? It's like you can lie to someone, you can say like you can lie to someone, you can say like you can lie to someone, you can say something that isn't true or like, you something that isn't true or like, you something that isn't true or like, you know, you can have a friend that says an know, you can have a friend that says an know, you can have a friend that says an alcoholic, he carries on drinking every alcoholic, he carries on drinking every alcoholic, he carries on drinking every day and you say, "Yeah, and there's no day and you say, "Yeah, and there's no day and you say, "Yeah, and there's no issue there." But if you truly loved issue there." But if you truly loved issue there." But if you truly loved them and you and you truly them and you and you truly them and you and you truly cared about the future of him, the truth cared about the future of him, the truth cared about the future of him, the truth of the life he is going to live, the the of the life he is going to live, the the of the life he is going to live, the the side effects he's going to entail, you side effects he's going to entail, you side effects he's going to entail, you would step in.

would step in. would step in. And if you would say, "No, I do care And if you would say, "No, I do care And if you would say, "No, I do care about him. I do love him, but you can't about him. I do love him, but you can't about him. I do love him, but you can't be bothered." You you can't you're not be bothered." You you can't you're not be bothered." You you can't you're not telling the truth that you truly love telling the truth that you truly love telling the truth that you truly love him you true because if you did, you him you true because if you did, you him you true because if you did, you would take action. I think it is is to would take action. I think it is is to would take action. I think it is is to do with the kind of belief system as do with the kind of belief system as do with the kind of belief system as well, but well, but well, but I I I just I adore Rowan Williams. He's I I I just I adore Rowan Williams. He's I I I just I adore Rowan Williams. He's such such a brilliant man and he's he's such such a brilliant man and he's he's such such a brilliant man and he's he's such a way of putting such complex such a way of putting such complex such a way of putting such complex ways of looking at life into such ways of looking at life into such ways of looking at life into such nuggets of wisdom like this. nuggets of wisdom like this. nuggets of wisdom like this. >> You and I are equally accountable >> You and I are equally accountable >> You and I are equally accountable to something that belongs to neither of to something that belongs to neither of to something that belongs to neither of us. Truth is what I don't own. Truth is what I don't own. Truth is what makes a claim upon me. Truth is what makes a claim upon me. Truth is what makes a claim upon me. And I have to spend time and effort And I have to spend time and effort And I have to spend time and effort struggling to conform my life, my struggling to conform my life, my struggling to conform my life, my aspirations aspirations aspirations to a reality that won't go away whatever to a reality that won't go away whatever to a reality that won't go away whatever I'm feeling I'm feeling I'm feeling or whatever my convenience or my or whatever my convenience or my or whatever my convenience or my preference may be. preference may be. preference may be. And when I talk about truth, And when I talk about truth, And when I talk about truth, I don't say I don't say I don't say this is my truth and it's got to this is my truth and it's got to this is my truth and it's got to obliterate yours.

obliterate yours. obliterate yours. I'm saying to somebody else, I'm saying to somebody else, I'm saying to somebody else, "Can we find a place "Can we find a place "Can we find a place where we both stand on the same footing where we both stand on the same footing where we both stand on the same footing of responsibility of responsibility of responsibility to something that neither of us owns or to something that neither of us owns or to something that neither of us owns or controls? controls? controls? >> What a What an incredible way of looking >> What a What an incredible way of looking >> What a What an incredible way of looking at the the notion that like truth within at the the notion that like truth within at the the notion that like truth within itself is there, you know, truth is part itself is there, you know, truth is part itself is there, you know, truth is part of the universe. It's It's there on the of the universe. It's It's there on the of the universe. It's It's there on the mantelpiece. It's there on the table. mantelpiece. It's there on the table. mantelpiece. It's there on the table. And it's a matter of us finding it out And it's a matter of us finding it out And it's a matter of us finding it out or seeing it or or talking about it. or seeing it or or talking about it. or seeing it or or talking about it. It's not a matter for us One of us It's not a matter for us One of us It's not a matter for us One of us owning what is on the table on the owning what is on the table on the owning what is on the table on the mantelpiece. mantelpiece. mantelpiece. Um Um Um What a fantastic way of putting it. A What a fantastic way of putting it. A What a fantastic way of putting it. A truly incredible way of putting the truly incredible way of putting the truly incredible way of putting the value of truth. And I think as value of truth. And I think as value of truth. And I think as Christians again like there's so many Christians again like there's so many Christians again like there's so many inconvenient things we don't want to be inconvenient things we don't want to be inconvenient things we don't want to be true but that are true. And I think it's true but that are true. And I think it's true but that are true. And I think it's so important to not shy away from that. so important to not shy away from that. so important to not shy away from that. Because if we truly believe in our Because if we truly believe in our Because if we truly believe in our hearts that Jesus of Nazareth, the man hearts that Jesus of Nazareth, the man hearts that Jesus of Nazareth, the man who walked about, the man who went to who walked about, the man who went to who walked about, the man who went to everyone, who went to the downcast, who everyone, who went to the downcast, who everyone, who went to the downcast, who somehow somehow somehow inspired people to devote their lives to inspired people to devote their lives to inspired people to devote their lives to him, you know, people willing to die for him, you know, people willing to die for him, you know, people willing to die for him, people willing to do the most him, people willing to do the most him, people willing to do the most radical acts of kindness for him. If you radical acts of kindness for him. If you radical acts of kindness for him. If you really do believe that that man was God, really do believe that that man was God, really do believe that that man was God, we cannot be scared of the truth. We we cannot be scared of the truth. We we cannot be scared of the truth. We cannot be scared of an archaeology cannot be scared of an archaeology cannot be scared of an archaeology discovery that goes against what a discovery that goes against what a discovery that goes against what a preconception we had of the Gospels. We preconception we had of the Gospels. We preconception we had of the Gospels. We cannot be a scared of an atheist who has

cannot be a scared of an atheist who has cannot be a scared of an atheist who has an incredible argument that um an incredible argument that um an incredible argument that um there is no creator, that you know, that there is no creator, that you know, that there is no creator, that you know, that the universe did just pop into existence the universe did just pop into existence the universe did just pop into existence from nowhere. We cannot be scared of um from nowhere. We cannot be scared of um from nowhere. We cannot be scared of um a manuscript found somewhere that, you a manuscript found somewhere that, you a manuscript found somewhere that, you know, completely contradicts what it know, completely contradicts what it know, completely contradicts what it says in the Gospels. We cannot be scared says in the Gospels. We cannot be scared says in the Gospels. We cannot be scared of that like of that like of that like if if if like if we really do believe with all like if we really do believe with all like if we really do believe with all our hearts that this is the truth, then our hearts that this is the truth, then our hearts that this is the truth, then we we must not do what is convenient, we we must not do what is convenient, we we must not do what is convenient, but we must do what is true and true for but we must do what is true and true for but we must do what is true and true for love are so so close together and I I love are so so close together and I I love are so so close together and I I think Rowan really really nails it here. think Rowan really really nails it here. think Rowan really really nails it here. Um but we'll hear more of the wisdom he Um but we'll hear more of the wisdom he Um but we'll hear more of the wisdom he imparts. imparts. imparts. >> I recently came across >> I recently came across >> I recently came across some very interesting writings some very interesting writings some very interesting writings by a Polish priest by a Polish priest by a Polish priest who was active in the latter part of the who was active in the latter part of the who was active in the latter part of the 20th century. 20th century. 20th century. Józef Tischner. Józef Tischner. Józef Tischner. And Tischner And Tischner And Tischner became very heavily involved with the became very heavily involved with the became very heavily involved with the Solidarity movement in Poland, the great Solidarity movement in Poland, the great Solidarity movement in Poland, the great trade union movement which resisted the trade union movement which resisted the trade union movement which resisted the communist government in Poland in its communist government in Poland in its communist government in Poland in its last days.

last days. last days. Tischner, like all those involved in Tischner, like all those involved in Tischner, like all those involved in Solidarity, Solidarity, Solidarity, was a person of extraordinary strength, was a person of extraordinary strength, was a person of extraordinary strength, integrity, and courage. [clears throat] integrity, and courage. [clears throat] integrity, and courage. [clears throat] And one of his most significant public And one of his most significant public And one of his most significant public utterances utterances utterances was a sermon delivered in the Chapel of was a sermon delivered in the Chapel of was a sermon delivered in the Chapel of the Wawel Castle the Wawel Castle the Wawel Castle in Krakow in Krakow in Krakow on the subject of Solidarity. on the subject of Solidarity. on the subject of Solidarity. And he argued in that sermon And he argued in that sermon And he argued in that sermon that human solidarity, that human solidarity, that human solidarity, the deep sense of human togetherness, the deep sense of human togetherness, the deep sense of human togetherness, really depended really depended really depended on the idea that we all [clears throat] on the idea that we all [clears throat] on the idea that we all [clears throat] shared shared shared a concern for truth. a concern for truth. a concern for truth. That the thing that bound human beings That the thing that bound human beings That the thing that bound human beings together at the deepest possible level together at the deepest possible level together at the deepest possible level was a commitment was a commitment was a commitment to a common truth. And that without that sense, And that without that sense, there could be no there could be no there could be no moral, spiritual, political life worth moral, spiritual, political life worth moral, spiritual, political life worth name. name. name. >> How true is that? And it it really like >> How true is that? And it it really like >> How true is that? And it it really like the more you unravel the why behind the more you unravel the why behind the more you unravel the why behind everything and everything and everything and so much of that you do get to the point so much of that you do get to the point so much of that you do get to the point where is it true or not? And that's the where is it true or not? And that's the where is it true or not? And that's the powerful thing I think about really powerful thing I think about really powerful thing I think about really believing in God. And Clive Staples believing in God. And Clive Staples believing in God. And Clive Staples Lewis is a man who really believed in Lewis is a man who really believed in Lewis is a man who really believed in God. And famously, you know, he didn't God. And famously, you know, he didn't God. And famously, you know, he didn't actually want to be Christian and that actually want to be Christian and that actually want to be Christian and that was one of the reasons he thought this was one of the reasons he thought this was one of the reasons he thought this is true because I don't even want it to is true because I don't even want it to is true because I don't even want it to be true. But all the evidence be true. But all the evidence be true. But all the evidence all I know and feel and my desire is all I know and feel and my desire is all I know and feel and my desire is that this world cannot suffice.

that this world cannot suffice. that this world cannot suffice. That is pointing towards a God, a That is pointing towards a God, a That is pointing towards a God, a creator, creator, creator, the supernatural realm, you know. the supernatural realm, you know. the supernatural realm, you know. If we don't want something to be true, If we don't want something to be true, If we don't want something to be true, that's very often I think a reason to that's very often I think a reason to that's very often I think a reason to believe something. And I'll be believe something. And I'll be believe something. And I'll be completely honest, one of the reasons I completely honest, one of the reasons I completely honest, one of the reasons I struggle with my faith is because I want struggle with my faith is because I want struggle with my faith is because I want it to be true. I want a guy called Jesus it to be true. I want a guy called Jesus it to be true. I want a guy called Jesus of Nazareth who walked around, who of Nazareth who walked around, who of Nazareth who walked around, who promised that the weak, the people promised that the weak, the people promised that the weak, the people suffering, the people in the you know, suffering, the people in the you know, suffering, the people in the you know, the poor, the outcast, they are the poor, the outcast, they are the poor, the outcast, they are just as loved, just as worth and they just as loved, just as worth and they just as loved, just as worth and they will be redeemed when Jesus comes back, will be redeemed when Jesus comes back, will be redeemed when Jesus comes back, you know. That That appeals to me. That you know. That That appeals to me. That you know. That That appeals to me. That appeals to my empathy. My empathetic appeals to my empathy. My empathetic appeals to my empathy. My empathetic side. When I see someone suffering, when side. When I see someone suffering, when side. When I see someone suffering, when I see someone on the street who has I see someone on the street who has I see someone on the street who has nobody, who is in the agony of their nobody, who is in the agony of their nobody, who is in the agony of their despair, the agony of their pain, the despair, the agony of their pain, the despair, the agony of their pain, the notion that one day, ladies and notion that one day, ladies and notion that one day, ladies and gentlemen, that person will be redeemed. gentlemen, that person will be redeemed. gentlemen, that person will be redeemed. That person will be loved. That person That person will be loved. That person That person will be loved. That person will have it better than they have it will have it better than they have it will have it better than they have it now. That I really, really want to be now. That I really, really want to be now. That I really, really want to be true. But I must watch myself because true. But I must watch myself because true. But I must watch myself because that should not warp what is true. And that should not warp what is true. And that should not warp what is true. And my fantasies about God and what I want my fantasies about God and what I want my fantasies about God and what I want to be true is is not the truth. And over to be true is is not the truth. And over to be true is is not the truth. And over time, I'm learning more. I'm reading time, I'm learning more. I'm reading time, I'm learning more. I'm reading more. I'm I'm listening to Rowan. I'm more. I'm I'm listening to Rowan. I'm more. I'm I'm listening to Rowan. I'm listening to Dawkins. I'm listening to listening to Dawkins. I'm listening to listening to Dawkins. I'm listening to Hitchens. I'm listening to Bart Ehrman.

Hitchens. I'm listening to Bart Ehrman. Hitchens. I'm listening to Bart Ehrman. I'm listening to all sorts of people and I'm listening to all sorts of people and I'm listening to all sorts of people and trying to figure out what's the truth, trying to figure out what's the truth, trying to figure out what's the truth, you know. I was I was reading a recent you know. I was I was reading a recent you know. I was I was reading a recent book by E.P. Sanders about the book by E.P. Sanders about the book by E.P. Sanders about the historical Jesus. And he speaks about historical Jesus. And he speaks about historical Jesus. And he speaks about how, you know, very often we view Jesus how, you know, very often we view Jesus how, you know, very often we view Jesus as like a very central figure. And as like a very central figure. And as like a very central figure. And obviously we've got obviously we've got obviously we've got you know, we've got Josephus and stuff you know, we've got Josephus and stuff you know, we've got Josephus and stuff who write about Jesus. So it's easy for who write about Jesus. So it's easy for who write about Jesus. So it's easy for us to think that Jesus was this massive us to think that Jesus was this massive us to think that Jesus was this massive guy who everyone knew about. But if you guy who everyone knew about. But if you guy who everyone knew about. But if you weren't around then, like let's say you weren't around then, like let's say you weren't around then, like let's say you lived somewhere completely else, you lived somewhere completely else, you lived somewhere completely else, you would not Jesus was a nobody to you. You would not Jesus was a nobody to you. You would not Jesus was a nobody to you. You didn't have a clue Jesus was. And it's didn't have a clue Jesus was. And it's didn't have a clue Jesus was. And it's very easy for us to picture with the very easy for us to picture with the very easy for us to picture with the spotlight syndrome that when Jesus was spotlight syndrome that when Jesus was spotlight syndrome that when Jesus was here, he was the central figure to here, he was the central figure to here, he was the central figure to everything. But actually loads of people everything. But actually loads of people everything. But actually loads of people didn't know Jesus was, you know, he came didn't know Jesus was, you know, he came didn't know Jesus was, you know, he came from Nazareth, you know, a from Nazareth, you know, a from Nazareth, you know, a a Palestinian Jew who, a Palestinian Jew who, a Palestinian Jew who, you know, sought refuge and came from you know, sought refuge and came from you know, sought refuge and came from parents who were complete nobodies. Like parents who were complete nobodies. Like parents who were complete nobodies. Like the notion that he was known about and the notion that he was known about and the notion that he was known about and everyone knew about him was not the everyone knew about him was not the everyone knew about him was not the case. Now, having said that, people case. Now, having said that, people case. Now, having said that, people obviously there were certain Roman obviously there were certain Roman obviously there were certain Roman authorities who did know about him and authorities who did know about him and authorities who did know about him and he did make a stir enough for them to he did make a stir enough for them to he did make a stir enough for them to crucify him. And the Jewish authorities crucify him. And the Jewish authorities crucify him. And the Jewish authorities clearly didn't like him, but it's easy clearly didn't like him, but it's easy clearly didn't like him, but it's easy for us to have spotlight syndrome for us to have spotlight syndrome for us to have spotlight syndrome because we believe he is the Messiah.

because we believe he is the Messiah. because we believe he is the Messiah. Because we believe he is divine to be Because we believe he is divine to be Because we believe he is divine to be like, "No, he was the central figure." like, "No, he was the central figure." like, "No, he was the central figure." And over time, Jesus' popularity And over time, Jesus' popularity And over time, Jesus' popularity obviously has grown and grown. obviously has grown and grown. obviously has grown and grown. And it's another powerful argument about And it's another powerful argument about And it's another powerful argument about Jesus which is Jesus which is Jesus which is anyone in history, right? If you look anyone in history, right? If you look anyone in history, right? If you look at, you know, Newton, Galileo, at, you know, Newton, Galileo, at, you know, Newton, Galileo, Pythagoras, if you look at, you know, Pythagoras, if you look at, you know, Pythagoras, if you look at, you know, just so many incredible people just so many incredible people just so many incredible people throughout history, like Stephen throughout history, like Stephen throughout history, like Stephen Hawking, whoever it is, you'd think that Hawking, whoever it is, you'd think that Hawking, whoever it is, you'd think that somebody would have been written about somebody would have been written about somebody would have been written about who would have had more said about them who would have had more said about them who would have had more said about them than Jesus, a guy from Nazareth of all than Jesus, a guy from Nazareth of all than Jesus, a guy from Nazareth of all places. places. places. Um, you know, they predicted, I think Um, you know, they predicted, I think Um, you know, they predicted, I think historians say it's about 4 500 people historians say it's about 4 500 people historians say it's about 4 500 people who who would who lived there when Jesus who who would who lived there when Jesus who who would who lived there when Jesus was growing up. Um, was growing up. Um, was growing up. Um, and the notion that that man somehow has and the notion that that man somehow has and the notion that that man somehow has more books written about him than anyone more books written about him than anyone more books written about him than anyone in history ever, and he never even wrote in history ever, and he never even wrote in history ever, and he never even wrote a word. a word. a word. I mean, for me, I find that such a I mean, for me, I find that such a I mean, for me, I find that such a bonkers thing cuz you'd think anyone in bonkers thing cuz you'd think anyone in bonkers thing cuz you'd think anyone in history, one person is written about history, one person is written about history, one person is written about more than Jesus, but no. more than Jesus, but no. more than Jesus, but no. Um, and for me that that speaks volumes Um, and for me that that speaks volumes Um, and for me that that speaks volumes and I I genuinely believe with my heart and I I genuinely believe with my heart and I I genuinely believe with my heart that Jesus of Nazareth is God. I I that Jesus of Nazareth is God. I I that Jesus of Nazareth is God. I I believe the supernatural. I believe that believe the supernatural. I believe that believe the supernatural. I believe that there is a realm beyond which we know, there is a realm beyond which we know, there is a realm beyond which we know, but but but but but but beyond what we can comprehend. Um, beyond what we can comprehend. Um, beyond what we can comprehend. Um, and I'm just going on a rant here, but and I'm just going on a rant here, but and I'm just going on a rant here, but listen to him more.

>> And that struck me as a very original, >> And that struck me as a very original, very powerful way of understanding why very powerful way of understanding why very powerful way of understanding why truth matters. truth matters. truth matters. It's something It's something It's something where we are in It's an area where we where we are in It's an area where we where we are in It's an area where we are involved are involved are involved in a common search, in common work, in a common search, in common work, in a common search, in common work, common labor, you might almost say. So, if we are not interested in truth, So, if we are not interested in truth, at the end of the day, we're not at the end of the day, we're not at the end of the day, we're not interested in solidarity, interested in solidarity, interested in solidarity, in human togetherness. in human togetherness. in human togetherness. If we don't have a concern If we don't have a concern If we don't have a concern for some reality, some claim that we're for some reality, some claim that we're for some reality, some claim that we're all answerable to, all answerable to, all answerable to, we end up we end up we end up breaking up into little fragments of breaking up into little fragments of breaking up into little fragments of humanity, humanity, humanity, not only at odds with one another, not only at odds with one another, not only at odds with one another, but ultimately incapable of but ultimately incapable of but ultimately incapable of understanding one another, understanding one another, understanding one another, incapable of empathy, incapable of empathy, incapable of empathy, incapable of common effort. incapable of common effort. incapable of common effort. And that, of course, is the death And that, of course, is the death And that, of course, is the death sentence sentence sentence for any kind of critical, creative for any kind of critical, creative for any kind of critical, creative social life. social life. social life. >> And I think there's so much truth in >> And I think there's so much truth in >> And I think there's so much truth in that in the sense that if you look at that in the sense that if you look at that in the sense that if you look at like Nazi Germany, for instance, and the like Nazi Germany, for instance, and the like Nazi Germany, for instance, and the propaganda of the Nazis and what they propaganda of the Nazis and what they propaganda of the Nazis and what they said, there was a point where, to start said, there was a point where, to start said, there was a point where, to start off with, people knew it wasn't I I'm off with, people knew it wasn't I I'm off with, people knew it wasn't I I'm sure a lot of people knew it wasn't sure a lot of people knew it wasn't sure a lot of people knew it wasn't true. Now, there was a lot of true. Now, there was a lot of true. Now, there was a lot of anti-Semitism knocking about, a lot of anti-Semitism knocking about, a lot of anti-Semitism knocking about, a lot of hatred, for sure, don't get me wrong. I hatred, for sure, don't get me wrong. I hatred, for sure, don't get me wrong. I mean, look at Europe, and there's a mean, look at Europe, and there's a mean, look at Europe, and there's a reason people, you know, someone like reason people, you know, someone like reason people, you know, someone like Oswald Mosley did have some attraction Oswald Mosley did have some attraction Oswald Mosley did have some attraction there, you know, there Like, if you look there, you know, there Like, if you look there, you know, there Like, if you look at America, there was a massive um at America, there was a massive um at America, there was a massive um famous rally in America, very

famous rally in America, very famous rally in America, very disturbing. Um and there was a a weird disturbing. Um and there was a a weird disturbing. Um and there was a a weird hatred going on, almost like a Yeah, I hatred going on, almost like a Yeah, I hatred going on, almost like a Yeah, I don't want to say demonic, seems don't want to say demonic, seems don't want to say demonic, seems hyperbolic, but it did seem almost like hyperbolic, but it did seem almost like hyperbolic, but it did seem almost like that. And to start with, people kind of that. And to start with, people kind of that. And to start with, people kind of knew it wasn't true. knew it wasn't true. knew it wasn't true. A lot of people knew, well, this is A lot of people knew, well, this is A lot of people knew, well, this is wrong. Why Why do we hate these people? wrong. Why Why do we hate these people? wrong. Why Why do we hate these people? But over time, what became and what But over time, what became and what But over time, what became and what people thought was true was just people thought was true was just people thought was true was just inverted. So, lies that a few years ago inverted. So, lies that a few years ago inverted. So, lies that a few years ago they knew were lies and they didn't they knew were lies and they didn't they knew were lies and they didn't entertain. Now, they genuinely believed entertain. Now, they genuinely believed entertain. Now, they genuinely believed in their hearts. Now, this is not in their hearts. Now, this is not in their hearts. Now, this is not everyone, but like loads of officers everyone, but like loads of officers everyone, but like loads of officers genuinely believed that genuinely believed that genuinely believed that these certain views about the Jews and these certain views about the Jews and these certain views about the Jews and that's why they did these that's why they did these that's why they did these absolutely atrocities. absolutely atrocities. absolutely atrocities. And it started with the discard of And it started with the discard of And it started with the discard of truth, you know, Hitler went after free truth, you know, Hitler went after free truth, you know, Hitler went after free speech, you know, he banned radio speech, you know, he banned radio speech, you know, he banned radio stations criticizing him. He hated free stations criticizing him. He hated free stations criticizing him. He hated free speech because he didn't value truth speech because he didn't value truth speech because he didn't value truth because again, it boils down to if you because again, it boils down to if you because again, it boils down to if you really strip away everything and you are really strip away everything and you are really strip away everything and you are really finding out what is true, you really finding out what is true, you really finding out what is true, you will not be afraid of someone will not be afraid of someone will not be afraid of someone challenging your view. You will not be challenging your view. You will not be challenging your view. You will not be afraid of afraid of afraid of because if you're in good faith looking because if you're in good faith looking because if you're in good faith looking for the truth as well, then you will for the truth as well, then you will for the truth as well, then you will value their input, you know, it's it's value their input, you know, it's it's value their input, you know, it's it's it's one of the things I think Dawkins it's one of the things I think Dawkins it's one of the things I think Dawkins in a recent interview with Rowan in a recent interview with Rowan in a recent interview with Rowan Williams, I did a video on it, you might Williams, I did a video on it, you might Williams, I did a video on it, you might want to watch it. Um want to watch it. Um want to watch it. Um if you do want. Um but it's interesting, if you do want. Um but it's interesting, if you do want. Um but it's interesting, you know, Rowan so eloquently put what you know, Rowan so eloquently put what you know, Rowan so eloquently put what Dawkins believed about the universe and Dawkins believed about the universe and Dawkins believed about the universe and like come across like the fine-tuning like come across like the fine-tuning like come across like the fine-tuning argument about the miraculousness of the argument about the miraculousness of the argument about the miraculousness of the way the universe is, the way our biology way the universe is, the way our biology way the universe is, the way our biology is, the way everything is so finely

is, the way everything is so finely is, the way everything is so finely tuned and he base Rowan Williams very tuned and he base Rowan Williams very tuned and he base Rowan Williams very eloquently puts that eloquently puts that eloquently puts that to Dawkins about his belief about how to Dawkins about his belief about how to Dawkins about his belief about how you believe that, you know, this is you believe that, you know, this is you believe that, you know, this is miraculous and saying that there's a miraculous and saying that there's a miraculous and saying that there's a creator, saying that there is almost creator, saying that there is almost creator, saying that there is almost like an order to it actually does like an order to it actually does like an order to it actually does disservice to the beauty. The beauty disservice to the beauty. The beauty disservice to the beauty. The beauty lies within the miraculousness and the lies within the miraculousness and the lies within the miraculousness and the um um um almost anomaly of it. So much beauty of almost anomaly of it. So much beauty of almost anomaly of it. So much beauty of the universe lies in that. And the universe lies in that. And the universe lies in that. And and then Dawkins was like, you know, you and then Dawkins was like, you know, you and then Dawkins was like, you know, you said it better than I could. And then said it better than I could. And then said it better than I could. And then Dawkins famously, well, I'd say Dawkins famously, well, I'd say Dawkins famously, well, I'd say famously, the video's about a month old, famously, the video's about a month old, famously, the video's about a month old, mate. mate. mate. But when he's given to summarize Rowan's But when he's given to summarize Rowan's But when he's given to summarize Rowan's position, he can't and ends up position, he can't and ends up position, he can't and ends up criticizing him. And criticizing him. And criticizing him. And that goes to show the difference in that goes to show the difference in that goes to show the difference in output to truth. Now, Dawkins is an output to truth. Now, Dawkins is an output to truth. Now, Dawkins is an incredibly smart man, obviously top incredibly smart man, obviously top incredibly smart man, obviously top biologist, but Rowan could understand biologist, but Rowan could understand biologist, but Rowan could understand his hunt for truth so much, but Dawkins his hunt for truth so much, but Dawkins his hunt for truth so much, but Dawkins when when when tried to put in the shoes of Rowan tried to put in the shoes of Rowan tried to put in the shoes of Rowan Williams couldn't. And I think that Williams couldn't. And I think that Williams couldn't. And I think that shows the heart posture of some of shows the heart posture of some of shows the heart posture of some of searching for truth from a genuine good searching for truth from a genuine good searching for truth from a genuine good place. Um and what an incredible way of place. Um and what an incredible way of place. Um and what an incredible way of putting it as I've as I've previously putting it as I've as I've previously putting it as I've as I've previously said but hear more of Rowan William said but hear more of Rowan William said but hear more of Rowan William William's wisdom here.

William's wisdom here. William's wisdom here. >> And I think if we look around at the >> And I think if we look around at the >> And I think if we look around at the moment, it's not too hard to see moment, it's not too hard to see moment, it's not too hard to see that we're very near such a position in that we're very near such a position in that we're very near such a position in many areas of our global political life. many areas of our global political life. many areas of our global political life. One of the tragedies of United States One of the tragedies of United States One of the tragedies of United States politics at the moment politics at the moment politics at the moment is the spectacle is the spectacle is the spectacle of two totally non-communicating of two totally non-communicating of two totally non-communicating political blocks political blocks political blocks increasingly finding no language in increasingly finding no language in increasingly finding no language in common common common no values that they share. no values that they share. no values that they share. And what can happen with that? And what can happen with that? And what can happen with that? Ultimately, war. Ultimately, war. Ultimately, war. All that's left is conflict. All that's left is conflict. All that's left is conflict. You don't You don't You don't persuade, reconcile, absorb, adjust. You persuade, reconcile, absorb, adjust. You persuade, reconcile, absorb, adjust. You win or you lose. win or you lose. win or you lose. And that's not a good place once again And that's not a good place once again And that's not a good place once again for any society to land in. for any society to land in. for any society to land in. As I dare say we shall see in the United As I dare say we shall see in the United As I dare say we shall see in the United States later this year. States later this year. States later this year. And I won't elaborate on it but it's not And I won't elaborate on it but it's not And I won't elaborate on it but it's not exactly as if we are exactly as if we are exactly as if we are without without without an element of glass houses and stone an element of glass houses and stone an element of glass houses and stone throwing throwing throwing if we get too eloquent on the subject if we get too eloquent on the subject if we get too eloquent on the subject from this side of the Atlantic.

from this side of the Atlantic. from this side of the Atlantic. But let's park that for the moment at But let's park that for the moment at But let's park that for the moment at least. If that's why truth matters If that's why truth matters and why truth might be liberating and why truth might be liberating and why truth might be liberating liberating because it delivers us liberating because it delivers us liberating because it delivers us from that from that from that condition of being doomed to conflict. condition of being doomed to conflict. condition of being doomed to conflict. How exactly does the phrase from the How exactly does the phrase from the How exactly does the phrase from the gospel bear on this? And what kinds of gospel bear on this? And what kinds of gospel bear on this? And what kinds of truth and untruth truth and untruth truth and untruth are going on and being thought about are going on and being thought about are going on and being thought about behind the gospel text. behind the gospel text. behind the gospel text. When Jesus says the truth shall make you When Jesus says the truth shall make you When Jesus says the truth shall make you free, free, free, what is he claiming? what is he claiming? what is he claiming? We know from the rest of St. John's We know from the rest of St. John's We know from the rest of St. John's Gospel that Jesus identifies himself Gospel that Jesus identifies himself Gospel that Jesus identifies himself with the truth that will set you free with the truth that will set you free with the truth that will set you free and speaks of the coming gift of the and speaks of the coming gift of the and speaks of the coming gift of the Holy Spirit Holy Spirit Holy Spirit as the gift of the spirit of truth as the gift of the spirit of truth as the gift of the spirit of truth who will teach you all things who will teach you all things who will teach you all things and who will display all the ways in and who will display all the ways in and who will display all the ways in which the world around is tangled up in which the world around is tangled up in which the world around is tangled up in denial and conflict.

And what is often said And what is often said about about about the truth that is in Jesus the truth that is in Jesus the truth that is in Jesus is that Jesus tells us is that Jesus tells us is that Jesus tells us a truth about humanity a truth about humanity a truth about humanity and a truth about God. and a truth about God. and a truth about God. Because if the Christian faith is true Because if the Christian faith is true Because if the Christian faith is true and we ascribe to Jesus and we ascribe to Jesus and we ascribe to Jesus an absolutely full humanity an absolutely full humanity an absolutely full humanity and an absolutely full divinity and an absolutely full divinity and an absolutely full divinity then you would actually expect then you would actually expect then you would actually expect to learn about both the human and the to learn about both the human and the to learn about both the human and the divine divine divine by looking at and listening to Jesus. by looking at and listening to Jesus. by looking at and listening to Jesus. >> What a What a beautiful way of putting >> What a What a beautiful way of putting >> What a What a beautiful way of putting it. Um it goes back to the video I did a it. Um it goes back to the video I did a it. Um it goes back to the video I did a while ago about heaven, you know. while ago about heaven, you know. while ago about heaven, you know. I think I always mess up. I think it's I think I always mess up. I think it's I think I always mess up. I think it's St. St. St. Uh St. Uh St. Uh St. Not a famous saint. Not a famous saint. Not a famous saint. Catherine of Siena. Oh, look at that. Catherine of Siena. Oh, look at that. Catherine of Siena. Oh, look at that. Says the way to heaven is heaven and Says the way to heaven is heaven and Says the way to heaven is heaven and yeah, that's one of the most pernicious yeah, that's one of the most pernicious yeah, that's one of the most pernicious lies about our society. I think I spoke lies about our society. I think I spoke lies about our society. I think I spoke about before, but yeah, the notion that about before, but yeah, the notion that about before, but yeah, the notion that someone else's downfall, someone else's someone else's downfall, someone else's someone else's downfall, someone else's um um um winning or blessings is somehow a winning or blessings is somehow a winning or blessings is somehow a takeaway from our blessings takeaway from our blessings takeaway from our blessings because of this lie of greed and of the your one's joy and one's love of of the your one's joy and one's love of life is predicated on someone else's life is predicated on someone else's life is predicated on someone else's not love, not joy of life. The notion not love, not joy of life. The notion not love, not joy of life. The notion that there's almost too much joy to go that there's almost too much joy to go that there's almost too much joy to go around. Heaven forbid someone else is around. Heaven forbid someone else is around. Heaven forbid someone else is happy as well as me. Heaven forbid happy as well as me. Heaven forbid happy as well as me. Heaven forbid someone else has the same car as well as someone else has the same car as well as someone else has the same car as well as me. You know, I I think that's that's

me. You know, I I think that's that's me. You know, I I think that's that's spot on. But I'm I hope you did enjoy spot on. But I'm I hope you did enjoy spot on. But I'm I hope you did enjoy this video, ladies and gentlemen. I this video, ladies and gentlemen. I this video, ladies and gentlemen. I really hope this has the same impact it really hope this has the same impact it really hope this has the same impact it had to me to you. Um but yeah, I love had to me to you. Um but yeah, I love had to me to you. Um but yeah, I love you all. you all. you all. Whatever you're feeling, whatever you're Whatever you're feeling, whatever you're Whatever you're feeling, whatever you're going through, um keep going, reach out, going through, um keep going, reach out, going through, um keep going, reach out, message me on Instagram. I will respond message me on Instagram. I will respond message me on Instagram. I will respond to you. And if you want to talk, you're to you. And if you want to talk, you're to you. And if you want to talk, you're feeling down, feeling down, feeling down, um just reach out. But yeah, God bless um just reach out. But yeah, God bless um just reach out. But yeah, God bless you. I love you all. Thanks for taking you. I love you all. Thanks for taking you. I love you all. Thanks for taking the time to listen to me rant. And Ron the time to listen to me rant. And Ron the time to listen to me rant. And Ron Williams. But um yeah, love you. Peace.