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Discerning Truth in a World Filled with Lies

Ron Leonard

Start date: April 5, 2012

Finish date: August 23, 2014

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Sep 20, 2014 Ron Leonard rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author)

(Full disclosure: I am the author of this book).

A book I've been writing all my life in my head and on paper for the last four, this book addresses how to tell the difference between truth and lies using external and often more importantly, internal cues. Written from a Christian perspective, the nature of truth is examined from the ground up, and in a wide variety of settings. Autobiographical stories abound as the author attempts to help the reader to not be lied to. ...more

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Nov 22, 2015 Gregory Brown rated it it was amazing

Discerning the Truth in a World of Lies is well-written treatise by Ron Leonard. First a few things about the author: Ron has a BA in Psychology, a MBA, and a Masters in Clinical Counseling. Throughout this book, Ron draws from his varied background in business, ministry, counseling, and even philosophy. This is a very interdisciplinary and eclectic work. It is impressive!

Ron writes from a Christian perspective; however, the teachings in this book will be appreciated by people from all faiths. I Discerning the Truth in a World of Lies is well-written treatise by Ron Leonard. First a few things about the author: Ron has a BA in Psychology, a MBA, and a Masters in Clinical Counseling. Throughout this book, Ron draws from his varied background in business, ministry, counseling, and even philosophy. This is a very interdisciplinary and eclectic work. It is impressive!

Ron writes from a Christian perspective; however, the teachings in this book will be appreciated by people from all faiths. In considering the definition of truth, Ron said, “Truth is what God says it is.” Consider how he explains this definition with a logical argument:

“For instance, you might say it is my truth that you should be faithful to your wife, but it is your truth that sex outside of marriage is an enriching thing for everyone. You might say in this case that there are two truths. This is wrong. There is one truth and one lie. One statement agrees with God. It is truth. One statement disagrees with God. It is a lie.”

Throughout the book, Ron introduces the reader to many deceptions in society, whether they are in interpersonal relationships, church, advertising, journalism, science, politics, or in any other arena. He also shares why people are prone to lie. Here is an interesting tidbit about dishonesty in advertising:

“Why does being dishonest work? There is a saying among professional con men: “You can’t con an honest man.” In large part, con jobs work because of our own internal dishonesty. We should admit it; we don’t want to face up to how difficult worthwhile things are, like building character or losing weight. The people who lie to us for fun and profit are counting on these shortcomings. They don’t lie to you about things you don’t have deep feelings about. They lie to you about things you desperately want to believe.”

The book is full of this type of rich instruction. He not only introduces the reader to dishonesty in various arenas, but also helps the reader develop critical thinking skills to discern lies. He introduces methods like scientific analysis, direct experience, secondhand experience, intuition, reputation, logic, etc. He also works through case studies to help the reader with logic. Furthermore, as mentioned before, Ron builds the case for truth being built on God and his Word. He even focuses an entire chapter to Biblical truth which includes an introduction to hermeneutics (the science of Bible interpretation).

As I read this work, I kept thinking, “This is so well-written. I wonder how many books are out there like this—such great quality, but very few people know about them.” This book could be used as required reading in a college philosophy course or a Christian worldview course, or just for readers to develop general discernment and critical thinking skills. It is extremely well-done and worth reading and re-reading.

*Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Oct 31, 2014 Gregory Booker marked it as to-read

Jan 22, 2016 Miss Polymath marked it as possible-reads

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