Half-Truths

Session 1: Telling Half-Truths

Overview
Half-truths are all around us. We tell half-truths when we simplify a complex idea or use a rule
of thumb to guide our way through complicated situations. In matters of faith, half-truths
replace sound biblical interpretation and theological reflection with platitudes that can
ultimately misrepresent God. How might we spot a half-truth, identify its limitations, and
respond with a more full truth?

Listening Guide

Characteristics of Half-Truths
A half-truth fails to reflect whole truth through one or more errors. Match the four errors to
their definition:

1. Centrality a. Gap in context, experience, or knowledge
2. Familiarity b. Reinforces preferred expectations or thought-patterns
3. Scope c. Disproportionate application of an aspect of truth
4. Reinforcement d. Extending a truth in one area to another area

Caveats of Half-Truths
1. Sometimes half-truths are _____________ appropriate
2. Half-truths are not a sign of ______________
3. All theological claims are partial and _____________________

Discussion Questions
1. Share with a partner what you heard. What point was most meaningful to you? To you
partner?
2. Platitudes are a form of half-truth that often arise in times of change whether positive
or negative. Both traumatic events (illness, job loss, divorce or death) and joyful
occasions (marriage or new baby) may trigger us to use half-truths.
a. Share a half-truth that you have heard in response to a traumatic event or a
joyful occasion.
a. What was helpful about the half-truth you heard? What was unhelpful?
3. Why do you believe half-truths emerge in times of uncertainty? What does a half-truth
provide for the one giving it? What does it do for the person receiving it?

Matching Answers: 1-c, 2-a, 3-d, 4-b
 Half-Truths
Session 1: Telling Half-Truths

4. How might we discern when a half-truth is needed and when it would be detrimental?

Matching Answers: 1-c, 2-a, 3-d, 4-b