📖 Biblical Definition
The Correspondence Theory of Truth holds that a statement is true if and only if it corresponds to the way reality actually is. Snow is white is true if snow is in fact white. The theory tracks Christian assumptions: God knows reality as it is, and human truth-statements are true insofar as they match what God knows. Distinct from coherence theory (true = coherent with other beliefs) and pragmatism (true = useful).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
(Theory of truth.) A statement is true if it corresponds to reality; the classical and biblical view.
expand to see more
Aristotle's formulation (Metaphysics 1011b): to say of what is that it is not, or of what is not that it is, is false; while to say of what is that it is, and of what is not that it is not, is true. The simplest, oldest, and most intuitive theory.
Modern challenges: postmodernism (truth as social construction), pragmatism (truth as what works), coherentism (truth as coherent network). Christian apologetics generally defends correspondence theory as alone compatible with biblical claims about reality and revelation.
📖 Key Scripture
John 17:17 — "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
John 18:37 — "Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice."
Numbers 23:19 — "God is not a man, that he should lie."
Romans 3:4 — "Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern postmodernism rejects correspondence theory in favor of constructivist accounts; Christianity insists truth corresponds to reality, and ultimate reality is the LORD.
expand to see more
John 17:17 grounds the Christian view: thy word is truth. Scripture is the ultimate correspondence-statement: it corresponds to ultimate reality, the LORD's own being and acts. To say otherwise is to detach truth from God's reality.
Postmodern relativism, which denies real correspondence, ultimately makes communication impossible (whose construction wins?), accountability impossible (no real wrongs to be accountable for), and the gospel impossible (no real Christ-event corresponding to the apostolic witness). The household's defense of correspondence theory protects the gospel.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Latin correspondere; to answer back, agree.
expand to see more
Latin correspondere — from cor (with) plus respondere (to answer); ‘to answer back together’.
Note: also called realist theory of truth; truth is real, mind-independent.
Usage
"Thy word is truth."
"To detach truth from God's reality is to make the gospel impossible."
"Truth corresponds to reality; ultimate reality is the LORD."