Meaning: This quote by the theologian Francis Schaeffer encapsulates the paradox of our modern age, where the prevailing belief is that there are no absolute truths except for the absolute insistence that there are none. This paradox reflects the postmodernist perspective that has gained prominence in recent decades, challenging traditional notions of truth, morality, and reality. To fully understand the implications of this quote, it's important to explore the historical and philosophical context in which it arises.

The notion of absolute truth has been a central concept in various philosophical and religious traditions throughout history. It represents the idea that certain principles or beliefs are universally valid and unchanging, regardless of individual beliefs or cultural differences. However, with the rise of postmodernism, there has been a growing skepticism towards the existence of absolute truth, with an emphasis on relativism and subjectivity.

Postmodernism challenges the idea of a singular, objective truth and instead posits that truth is constructed and interpreted differently by each individual or cultural group. This perspective has been influenced by factors such as the breakdown of traditional authority structures, the impact of globalization, and the proliferation of diverse worldviews and perspectives. As a result, the concept of absolute truth has come under scrutiny, giving rise to the paradoxical situation described in Schaeffer's quote.

The quote highlights the irony of a society that fervently upholds the belief that there are no absolute truths, yet paradoxically holds this belief as an absolute truth in itself. This inherent contradiction reflects the complexity of contemporary attitudes towards truth and certainty. It suggests a tension between the rejection of objective truths and the simultaneous insistence on the universality of this rejection.

Schaeffer's observation can be interpreted as a critique of the self-defeating nature of postmodernist thought, pointing out the inherent inconsistency in denying the existence of absolute truth while simultaneously asserting the absolute truth of relativism. It underscores the challenges of navigating a world where conflicting beliefs about truth and reality abound, and where the rejection of absolute truth has itself become a kind of dogma.

In the realm of theology, Schaeffer's quote also resonates with debates about the nature of religious truth and the existence of a transcendent, unchanging reality. For religious traditions that emphasize the presence of absolute truths, the postmodern rejection of such notions poses significant challenges. It calls into question the possibility of conveying timeless spiritual principles in a world where relativism and skepticism hold sway.

Overall, Schaeffer's quote serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the complexities of contemporary attitudes towards truth and certainty. It invites reflection on the implications of a society that simultaneously embraces and rejects the idea of absolute truth, and raises important questions about the nature of truth, belief, and knowledge in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.