Nonsense!
It’s not uncommon to hear Augustine’s quote in Christian circles. It’s usually applied to an idea or theory that’s been accepted as true, based upon empirical evidence, that’s subsequently being ascribed to God as His truth. The intent in using the phrase is to attach greater significance to an idea or theory in order to make it more acceptable. Because… who wants to disagree with God?
The problem, however, is that empirical evidence cannot validate an idea or a theory. In fact, observation and experimentation provide only evidence for a reasonable conjecture. Thereafter, a group of “very influential people” may assemble to agree that their conjecture is now a truth, and then publish their findings to the world. But…
Is God in agreement with these truth-setters? It would seem that, rather than taking an idea and trying to secure an endorsement from God, we’d all be better served by answering the following first:
- What has God already revealed as truth?
- Is anyone or any group really in a position to declare anything as true if it’s only conjecture?
- Isn’t it irresponsible (and blasphemous) to ascribe a truth to God without His direct verification? and what would be that means of verification?
- Is it possible that those who are assembling to ascribe a truth to God might be undermining God’s authority for a secular humanistic ideology (eg The Tower of Babel)?
In regard to truth, only that which has been revealed by God can be regarded as genuine truth. He’s the only one in a position to make such a declaration.
De 29:29 “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.
The secret things are the realm of understanding which God has not (yet) revealed or disclosed. It’s these secret things which some attempt to define, for their own glory and recognition (and condemnation).
Those things revealed pertains to God’s truth through the Word of God, given that we may do all the words of this law.
Additionally, God’s revelation is unchanging and eternal!
Ps 119:160 ¶ The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.
There’s a better phrase and theology than Augustine’s: “God’s truth is all truth!”
†
Ps 2:1 ¶ Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision.