Truth Changes Everything

by Jeff Myers

America has passed a tipping point. A majority of Americans now say that truth is up to the individual and that ultimate truth cannot be known. Learning to "speak our own truths" was supposed to lead to dignity and harmony. Instead, our society struggles with unprecedented levels of social conflict, purposelessness, and loss of identity. And still, the "Truth versus truths" tension continues to grow.

Is all hope lost? In this inspiring book, Dr. Jeff Myers tells the fascinating stories of Jesus-followers who lived for Truth and transformed their world in times of crisis. These inspiring figures led the way in human dignity, science, art, medicine, education, politics, justice, and even the idea of meaningful work.

No matter what is going on around us, the truth is worth fighting for. If you long for a positive, restorative role in our own chaotic era, it's time to discover how truth changes everything.

Genres: Christian, History, Religion, Theology, Christian Living, Cultural, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2022

About the author

Over the last 20 years Dr. Jeff Myers has become one of America’s most respected authorities on youth leadership development and has equipped thousands of people to champion the Christian worldview.

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good. Some points were better than others, some ideas more believable than others, and some stuff more important than others. I found the chapter on art to be a little pointless, but the chapter on education, working, and even law were all really fascinating. His chapter on international law was largely missing concrete examples, and relied on foundational work he had done elsewhere.

He does a good job laying some foundational work for postmodern ideology, and his stories and examples are impressive. I was glad I had read several books about Post-Modernism already, not that it is a big deal, but it definitely helps you see how dangerous this philosophy is and how it quickly turns into chaos.

The main thrust of the book is that the Christian worldview gives people a respect for the sanctity of human life. When we see everyone as deserving of life, and are willing to give them the same respect we want, then we can begin to make fantastic changes to the world.

When all we do is see everyone as an enemy, or convince ourselves of how pure and perfect we are while not giving them the respect an Image Bearer deserves, then we start to attack others and all sorts of evil solutions abound.

It is a very interesting book, with a largely simplistic solution. Well worth the read.

[Lana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not quite what I expected, but I really enjoyed it. Myers reflects on how Christianity has impacted every dimension of our world, from science to the arts to work, etc. To do this, he uses examples of people throughout the ages in every facet of life. He also includes a chapter as a very basic primer on how Christians can advocate for and share The Truth In a culture that is focused on many "truths."

[Kenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cool book! I loved how Dr. Myers gave evidence and stories of the effects of knowing that Jesus is Truth!

[Jonah Pavlik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that a good friend from L'Abri let me borrow while I was there. I believe I was reading How (not) To Be Secular at the time, and I think some of the concepts are similar, which is part of the reason I borrowed it.

This book feels kind of like a mix of How (not) To Be Secular and How Shall We Then Live?. A big reason for this is that they touch on very similar themes. Jeff Myers goes through history with even more of a focus on the benefits and impact Christians throughout history have had on the world, and why it is important to remember this. Jeff Myers goal in this book is to combat the modern antagonism towards faith (but Christian faith especially... makes you think, doesn't it?) and how it seems to go against all of the "facts", and he does this by showing how all of the "science" and the "knowledge" that these antagonists show towards the Gospel: the only reason they are at the place they are scientifically or intellectually speaking is due to the advances made by faithful Christian men and women. From the arts to the sciences to philosophies, and also social justice, the movement towards these goods was spearheaded mostly by Christians.

Another big thing that Jeff Myers tries to point out is that there is real Truth that can be known. The world believes in "truths" things that are as changing and fickle as the people who hold them. However, that is not what the Christian believes. The Christian believes in One Truth! I'll paraphrase a wise quote by C.S. Lewis: There are many opinions and ways to view a subject or problem; that is, until you know the answer. Jeff Myers claims that Christians can know the answer to some of the more important questions by looking towards the one Truth that Christians hold onto and which all other aspects of life revolve around.

Spoiler alert, that one Truth is Jesus.

So yeah, this is a great book. I love reading about heroes of the faith throughout history, partially because I find that I am greatly encouraged by the "great cloud of witnesses" which we have access to. It's the biggest motivator for my reading and also why I record a kind of absurd number of quotes on this site (I apologize to you all). I want to be able to look back on the lives of those who have walked the race before us so I can hopefully carry my own baton as faithfully as I can. For anyone who shares my feeling, or is simply tired of all of these culture wars about "my truth", this is a great book!

[Damon Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great arguments for Biblical Truth as opposed to the subjective "truths" viewpoint. Compelling examples of how Truth has changed the world for the better throughout history. I really appreciate the author's approach to engaging the world with Truth: "Jesus followers should have more than an immediate victory in mind. We may find those we disagree with irritating (they may feel the same way about us), but they still have dignity as image bearers of God with eternal souls." Also, "People more clearly see the Truth found in the person of Jesus when we respect their personhood and interact in a personal way. Engage in conversation and ask good questions." Very highly recommend.

[Angie Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really looking foward to this book thinking that it would be a collection of testimonies of those who lived Truth in everything they did and thereby left an incredible impact on the world. However, it wasn't quite like that.

Truth Changes Everything is more of a textbook about Truth with examples of people who have lived it. It took me longer to read than I anticipated as my expectations were different, but it is a well researched and solid book about Truth and why it is vital in today's world.

[Marcas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another great book by an excellent living apologist. Having survived a cancer scare, Dr Jeff Myers shines a positive spotlight on how the Christian faith has transformed lives and the world - from catastrophes like the black death, to Christians in China, to resisting the Nazis, and entire political orders.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

In A World Of Lies, The Truth Changes Everything

This is a truly amazing book.

Highly recommend reading this book.

Jeff is such an impressive writer, and I really enjoyed his words, and his great references and analysis of scripture.

One of the true gems I read in 2024.

5/5

[Josh Westerlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of fascinating stories of amazing believers throughout history that have shaped our world, advanced the sciences, arts, and human rights. Beyond simple anecdotes, it also provides real-life applications as to how to shape the world with Truth.

[Rod Innis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book. I really did enjoy it. I was a bit disappointed in who the author chose, at times, to represent the Christian worldview. I am not sure that they could truly represent that worldview despite their quoted statements. But in spite of that, it is well worth reading!

[Brad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted a stronger case for truth but got anecdotal stories of Christians in each vocation of life. The last chapter was interesting on how to present truth to others but the book as a whole left a lot to be desired.

[Katie Brohard · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I agree with the premise, some of the examples I might dispute. Overall, an inspiring look at the contributions of Christians to a variety of institutions and society through time. Interesting read.

[Susan Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read about telling the truth and how it applied to Jesus's followers.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow…so much good information! Had to read it in little bits to digest even some of it!

[Keeran Reidling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent biblical world view. Every time I ask myself how does God allow this evil to take over, this book is a great reminder that God Will prevail

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Tracy Brower · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. It is well written and well researched—and makes an insightful case about Truth vs truths. I especially loved the chapters on work and on art/beauty. Great stuff.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the stories of how fellow Christians help to use Truth to shape all areas of life, from politics to art.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting, but instead, a robust look into how the TRUTH of Christianity has impacted every sphere of our world. Really loved this book.

[Volere Hasseld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview. Dr. Myers puts the ‘cookies on the lower shelf’ in this brief work. Would like to do a deep dive into the items and ideas posed here sometime in the near future.

[Nikki Yaste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic read that shows how Truth has shifted so much throughout history. From the way we serve each other, to the arts, politics, science, Justice and beyond…The Gospel teaching transformed the way we interact on this planet for the better despite the ever growing false narrative from secularist. Dr. Myers breaks up each chapter in a clear and concise way that is easily accessible and understandable to everyone. This will be something I refer to often.

[Tim Horrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this very much. I think people of faith can gain a perspective from Dr. Myers thoughts.