The Truth About Truth: Why Truth "Hurts", Yet We Still Seek It

By Martin Nyanzu

Truth is a bitter pill to swallow, yet it delivers us from bondage and destruction. It is often said truth “hurts,” but does it? or it is lies that hurt? We are in a social conflict because the so-called postmodern era allows for creation of meaning even if it defies reality. Regardless of our perception about the nature of truth, we will still seek it even if we claim it “hurts” because we can’t live without it. Martin Nyanzu examines the nature of truth, what it means to say truth “hurts,” and identifies some of the popular lies currently trending in our culture.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jun 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9798385000388

Martin Nyanzu

Martin Nyanzu is a Theology and Apologetics PhD Student at Liberty University. He is the author of The People of The Way, an apologetics book for kids. He is also the founder of Unsettled (Liveunsettled.org). His passion is to help bridge the gap between faith and doubt.

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ISBN: 979-8-3850-0036-4 (sc)

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ISBN: 979-8-3850-0038-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023911018

WestBow Press rev. date: 6/21/2023

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To Deborah:

My dear wife who speaks the truth in love.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Over the years, the congregations, and leaders I have encountered and worked with, respectively, have tested my commitment to speaking the truth, dispensing it, and even standing for it in unpopular times. I would like to recognize these local churches and their leaders for shaping my perspectives on truth and its significance, but most importantly, for pushing my limits to develop the courage to stand for the truth.

Through the numerous counseling sessions, problem-solving meetings, and congregational governance, I have realized that while truth hurts, it will always be sought. Two associate ministers who have been my greatest motivators in documenting my ideas are Dr. Jones Owusu-Twumasi and Edward Ofori. They are the very people who helped in proofreading and editing this book. Gentlemen, I am forever grateful for your sincere support and for speaking the truth to me in love.

I want to mention Apostle Michael Agyemang-Amoako, the National Head of The Church of Pentecost U.S.A., Inc. He scheduled me to do an extensive book review of the church’s publications; at that time, I felt a strong desire to document my thoughts leading to the publication of this book. I have been variedly inspired by his leadership and innovative prowess.

My dad and mom, Joseph (of blessed memory) and Paulina Nyanzu taught me how to identify and defend the truth; I would have been a coward. Without fail, my dear wife and children always listened to my ideas and offered intriguing thoughts. They often surrounded me with prayers, laughter, and encouragement at the home office, activating my endorphins which kept me focused on writing this book.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Foreword

Is Truth Dead?

The Truth

Truth – Does It Hurt?

The Opposite of Truth

Speaking the Truth in Love

Bibliography

FOREWORD

In Fall of 2015, the author, Pastor Martin Nyanzu, walked into my class at Pentecost Theological and Leadership Institute now the Pentecost Biblical Seminary (PBseminary) formerly located in Leominster, MA, now in Wayne, NJ. He was among a cohort of uniquely gifted students from the Church of Pentecost USA and the Church of Pentecost Canada, enrolled in ministerial and theological training. To be sure, I was appointed as president of the PBseminary in that same Fall of 2015. This largely marked the beginning of our friendship before we later became workmates. Interestingly, he joined the staff at PBSeminary in Fall 2021 as the Students’ Coordinator. It is during this time that we worked closely on several significant projects related to the seminary. I quickly noticed his intellectual acumen, readiness to learn, and love for apologetics. Admittedly, I was delighted when he first told me about his interest to study for a PhD. This book introduces him as among the new generation of pastor-theologians that will make a significant contribution to the academy and ecclesia. Precisely, he has found a niche in Pentecostal apologetic landscape.

His passion for truth informs and shapes the arguments proposed and explicated in the fabric of this text. As someone who knows the author personally and vocationally, he is a fitting advocate for truth-telling. This book offers an opportunity to church leaders, believers, parents, and young ones, to embrace the practice of truth-telling regardless of what it may cost you. This is also the passion of Jesus, the truth-teller par excellence (John 14:6). Passion for truth-telling requires an epistemological posture of humility. In this sense, this book is a polemic against cancel culture. Those abhorred by the philosophy of this age that is plagued by a dearth of truth will find this book aptly inspiring. The Johannine writer identifies ‘truth’ (John 18:37) as the central motif of Christ’s mission. The author asserts that both clergy and laity have a common call to advocate for truth in all spheres of life. He also makes a compelling case that truth telling can traumatize. In this age hooked upon postmodernism that privileges relativism, worships subjectivity, and invariably roars against objectivity, there is a conspicuous shortage of truth-tellers. In this sense, this book is a means of recruiting truth-tellers that can stand up for truth as we await Christ’s return. In fact, the author is unequivocal about what is at stake if people don’t stand up for truth.

In addition, the author helps readers understand implications of unwillingness to tell the truth. Significantly, he contends that unwillingness to tell the truth essentially allows falsehood and evil to prevail. This is in stark contrast to the early disciples who refused to be silenced by their antagonists from testifying to Christ, even at the expense of their lives. Thus, this book insists that truth telling is not merely an intellectual exercise but requires the help of the Holy Spirit. Reminiscent of the early church, this book is a timely reminder that martyrdom linked to defense of truth appeals to the Savior’s heart (Acts 7:55-56). Upon reading it, your soul will blossom with hope knowing that those who suffer for defending truth will be rewarded in the eschaton. Granted the promise of eternal reward beyond this life, you should find motivation