FOUR KINDS OF TRUTH
What Christian Nationalists believe and why they believe it does not conform to the beliefs of most other people — both religious and non-religious. There are four classical theories of truth that differ from each other in their fundamental approaches to defining and determining truth. Theories that are highlighted in red describe truth as Christian Nationalists apply it in politics and religion.

Correspondence Theory of Truth: Provides a foundation for logical reasoning.

• • • Truth is determined by how well a statement corresponds to observable reality.
    • A belief or statement is true if it accurately reflects the facts or state of affairs in the world
    • This theory emphasizes the relationship between beliefs and external reality
    • Looks outward to the world for validity.
    • Emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence in verifying claims. Scientists design experiments and observations to test whether their hypotheses accurately correspond to observable reality
    • This approach forms the foundation of the scientific method, where theories must be supported by empirical data.
    • Promotes objectivity in scientific research. Scientists strive to minimize personal biases and subjective interpretations, focusing instead on facts that can be independently verified.
    • Allows for the evolution of scientific truth as new discoveries are made. For example, the statement “There are nine planets in the solar system” was once considered true but ceased to be accurate when Pluto was reclassified
    • Hypotheses are formulated in ways that allow them to be tested against observable facts. If a statement does not correspond to reality, it can be reported as false (i.e. untrue) in the culture in which the statement circulates. This leads the culture to reject the original hypothesis and refine it so that it will more accurately reflect the facts or state of affairs in the world.
    • Demonstrates how scientific truth can change as understanding of reality improves.
    • Premises in scientific arguments are expected to be grounded in verifiable truths, ensuring that conclusions are based on factual evidence.
    • Shapes the rigorous, evidence-based approach that characterizes modern scientific inquiry.

 

Coherence Theory of Truth: Provides an alternative perspective on truth, emphasizing the interconnectedness of beliefs within a system rather than their correspondence to external facts.

• • • Truth is defined by how well a statement logically coheres with other justified beliefs or a larger system of beliefs without contradictions
    • A proposition is true if it fits consistently within a set of other propositions or axioms
    • This theory focuses on internal consistency rather than correspondence to external reality
    • Relies on group agreement for validity
    • Truth is defined as coherence within a system of beliefs
    • Consistency: Beliefs must not contradict each other
    • Connectedness: Beliefs must be logically related to one another
    • A belief is true if adding it to an existing coherent system of beliefs results in a system that is at least as coherent as before
    • Truth is a property of whole systems of propositions, not individual statements in isolation
    • Contrast with Correspondence Theory:
      • • Coherence theory focuses on internal consistency, while correspondence theory emphasizes matching external reality
        • Truth in coherence theory is subjective and system-dependent, rather than objective
    • Limitations of Coherence Theory
      • • A coherent set of beliefs can be internally consistent but still false
        • The theory struggles to account for the relationship between beliefs and external reality
    • Applications

• • • • • Often applied in idealist philosophies and some approaches to scientific theory-building
        • Useful in describing how people process and integrate new information‎

Consensus Theory of Truth: A framework for understanding how societies and groups establish shared beliefs, but it faces challenges in addressing objective reality and individual dissent.

• • • Truth is determined by what everyone agrees to be true
    • This theory emphasizes the role of collective agreement in establishing truth
    • It is often applied when trusting expert consensus on a subject
    • Is established through agreement among a specified group of people.
    • Majority agreement doesn’t guarantee factual accuracy
    • Susceptible to coercion or manipulation of group opinion
    • May lead to cultural relativism in truth claims
    • Doesn’t account for minority views that may be correct
    • What is considered true is what the majority accepts or might come to accept
    • Truth is socially constructed rather than objectively determined
    • Emphasizes collective agreement over individual perception or logic
    • Can vary based on the group involved and the context

• • • Often applied in social, religious and political contexts
    • Used in some approaches to scientific consensus and peer review
    • Relevant in understanding cultural, religious and societal norms
    • Some versions require universal consent
    • Other versions specify the proportion of population or time period needed for consensus
    • Ideal speech situation: a concept where consensus is reached through rational discourse free from coercion
    • Prioritizes practical outcomes over abstract notions of truth.
      

Pragmatic Theory of Truth

• • • Truth is defined by what is useful, beneficial, or practical for an individual or society — including religions.
    • This theory is less concerned with absolute truth and more focused on practical applications and results
    • It allows for personal or situational truths.
    • It emphasizes flexibility and adaptability, acknowledging that truth can change.

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These are descriptions of the four, major, generally accepted theories of truth in the scientific world today. They are incomplete, however, because they do not fully account for the kind of truth practiced by Christian Nationalists described in the next page.