Whether we acknowledge it or not, it’s a battle we all wage. All our lives, we are bombarded with a variety of ideas regarding our planet, our existence, and even our future. We see science reports regarding new discoveries in biology, astronomy, physics and chemistry. We hear of archaeology finds that suggest tales from the Bible may or may not be accurate. And we have to decide what to believe.

There is no question that our ever-increasing fountain of knowledge seems to be in constant conflict with the Bible texts. Old Testament tales in particular, seem to be hard to swallow in light of contemporary scientific knowledge. Adam and Eve, Noah’s Ark, Jonah and the whale – all seem to be a bit far-fetched. The consequence is that our questions about those biblical events cause us to doubt the entirety of the Bible.

What is missing from our personal debate is the failure to differentiate between what is “true,” and what is “truth.” Once we accept that stories from the Bible represent “truth,” we can appreciate the value even if the story itself is possibly distorted or exaggerated. If the story illustrates a profound truth, whether or not it is completely accurate is less important.

Likewise, the discoveries of archaeology and science that suggest the story of creation is in conflict with science, may be a moot point. The chronology of the Genesis version of the beginning of life on earth is not much different than the scientific description. Except for the issue of timing, the sequence of events is pretty much spot on.

Ultimately, we encounter the challenge of evolution. To that, we need to acknowledge that a Creator of all we observe and experience could certainly uses any tools or techniques He chooses – including the “tool” of evolution.

What is more difficult to justify as it is in conflict with faith is superstition. Black cats, four-leaf clovers, Friday the thirteenth, walking under ladders – the list goes on. While most superstitions are easily disregarded as harmless quirks, when they become incorporated into church rites and beliefs, they can become disruptive and destructive, and distracting. When shadows of superstition slip into church proceedings, they can act as a barrier to embracing alternate denominations.

Fortunately, there is one ultimate test that can address all these conflicts.

Is it “true” or “truth?” There is a difference.