SCOTT DEPOT, WV (ANS) -- Our view of the world in which we live will be determined by the truth we know. Truth is not necessarily what the ancient Greek tragic dramatist, Sophocles, called “The strongest argument.” A more modern philosopher, George Santayana, referred to it as “A jewel which should not be painted over; but it may be set to advantage and shown in a good light.”

Brilliant writer, William A. Dembski, in his book, The Design Revolution, (InterVarsity Press), quotes the words of Blaise Pascal, 17th century French philosopher and physicist, from his work, The Art of Persuasion, when he states, “People almost invariably arrive at their beliefs not on the basis of proof but on the basis of what they find attractive.”

The debate about what truth really is and how to find it continues on. Most educated people are aware of Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” (John 18:38).

Charles Colson makes this assertion in his exciting new book, The Faith, released in 2008 by Zondervan, “Knowing God is and He has spoken enables the Christian to affirm that there is truth, an ultimate reality that begins with God and extends throughout His creation. The Christian believes that humankind can know truth -- that is, the way things really are through the Bible . . . ” Colson also suggests that truth can be found through creation, reason and conscience.

The National Conference on Christian Apologetics, hosted by Dr. Alex McFarland, president of Southern Evangelical Seminary, considered “Winning the war of the world views” when more than 3,000 pastors, laymen and students met in Charlotte, NC, November 7-8, 2008. Speakers were leading scholars, writers and theologians of our day.

Find out about the next conference, November 2009, by going on line at www.nationalapologeticsconference.com or call 1-800-77-TRUTH or 704-847-5600. Among this year’s speakers were James Dobson, Chuck Colson, Josh McDowell, Lee Strobel, Erwin Lutzer, Hank Hanegraff, Dinesh D’Souza, Mark Mittelberg, Gary Habermas, William Dembski and others.

James C. Dobson, Ph.D. from the University of Southern California, who is heard by more than 220 million people by radio every day, reminded his listeners that “moral relativism and absolute truth are always in conflict.”

Erwin Lutzer, pastor of the Moody Memorial Church in Chicago, IL, called attention to “The Four Lies of Eden”, graphically recorded in the Living Bible, as “ ‘Of course we may eat it,’ the woman told him. ‘It’s only the fruit from the tree at the center of the garden that we are not to eat. God says we mustn’t eat it or even touch it, for we will die.’ ‘That’s a lie!’ the serpent hissed” (Genesis 3:2-4). And the conflict between God’s truth and Satan’s lies, between good and evil, was on and has raged ever since.

Charles Colson challenged listeners when he said, “Christianity is a world view” which began with the Logos, the Word of God. He also said, “All our problems are the result of a wrong worldview.”

Dinesh D’Souza, author of the New York Times Bestseller, What’s So Great About Christianity? (Tyndale), got the attention of his audience by saying, “Our new atheists are popularizes of the old atheists.” And, “Some people in academia are educated beyond their intelligence.” He than added, “My apologetic is a very pro-science and pro-God apologetic.”

A dictionary or theologian might define apologetics as “the branch of theology having to do with the defense and proofs of Christianity.” In our day of skepticism and disbelief in God it is good to be able to give “a reason for the hope that is in you” (I Peter 3:15).

The search for truth continues. This world and our lives will not function very well if we do not operate on the basis of truth. Half-truth, whatever that may be, and falsehoods are not sufficient. Only the truth works best.

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Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist, and convention and conference speaker on every continent. He is the writer of more than 1600 columns and widely known as a motivator utilizing enjoyment of life and just plain fun and laughter while speaking to high school, university and professional sports teams as well as to business and professional groups of all kinds. His keen understanding of human problems make him a favorite speaker for youth, parent, and senior adult meetings. He is accompanied by Kitty, his wife, favorite singer, editor and publisher. For information on becoming a subscriber to the Ellis Column for your newspaper or magazine, you may contact him at: BILL ELLIS, P.O.Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560 or by calling: 304-757-6089.