Universal Meaning of Truth and Freedom

Jerzy Szymik

Abstract

Having been distorted since modern times, the notions of truth and freedom have been radically juxtaposed in post-modern world views, consequently resulting in losing the very values: the truth is questioned, while freedom is determined and limited by worldly purposes. J. Ratzinger/Benedict XVI shows that the terms are, de facto, theologically important (Theological Hermeneutics), i.e. they may be fully and properly understood from the heart of Christian faith. God is the right guarantor of the truth (involving the existence of the objective and judicious reality) and the Embodiment of God’s Son, Logos, is the ultimate argument for its attainability and cognizability. When Jesus confessed: I am the truth (John, 14. 6), He convinces that the truth is universal and belongs to God. Thereby, it remains universally binding it is the appropriate basis of ethos. The truth constitutes the key to interpret reality and a superior (independent) criterion for its arrangement (also in the social and political sense). Thus, the task of Christianity and theology is to restore the proper, Christological understanding of truth and freedom for the world, as well as their inseparable, redemptive relationship: the truth will set you free (John, 8. 32).