A Truth versus The Truth

A Truth versus The Truth offers a fresh and practical way to understand how religious people live their faith in the modern world. Using a clear and easy-to-understand tool—the Modernity Spectrum—this book helps readers see why some people embrace modern life while others reject it.

Some faith groups use smartphones, attend public schools, and welcome new ideas. Others live apart from the modern world. They may avoid technology, dress in traditional clothing, and form close-knit communities to keep modern culture out. The Modernity Spectrum explains these choices without judgment. It helps us compare how people from all faiths respond to today’s world.

This book replaces confusing labels—like Orthodox, Fundamentalist, Liberal, or Evangelical—with two simple terms: Modern and Non-Modern. These terms are easier to understand and apply across all religions. Readers will see how a Buddhist monk, a Muslim woman, and a Christian pastor might all make similar choices—not because of their religion, but because of where they fall on the Spectrum.

With chapters on science, education, modesty, gender, sexuality, food, clothing, and more, this book makes big ideas accessible. Each chapter includes real-life examples from around the world: Hasidic Jews in New York, the Amish in Pennsylvania, Hindu practices in India, Christian Scientists, Muslim communities, and many others.

Rabbi Stephen B. Roberts brings decades of experience as a chaplain and interfaith leader. He has walked with people of all backgrounds in times of crisis, illness, and grief. His voice is compassionate, respectful, and deeply informed. This book reflects that same spirit—inviting all readers, religious or not, into a respectful and honest conversation about faith and the modern world.

A Truth versus The Truth is for everyone:

• People of faith
• Interfaith professionals
• Educators and students
• Policy makers and community leaders
• Anyone curious about why religion still matters today

Whether you embrace modern life, question it, or try to balance both, this book gives you the language to talk about it—with clarity, empathy, and respect.

A Truth versus The Truth (Next Steps Publishing™) offers a fresh and practical way to understand how religious people live their faith in the modern world. Using a clear and easy-to-understand tool—the Modernity Spectrum—this book helps readers see why some people embrace modern life while others reject it.

Some faith groups use smartphones, attend public schools, and welcome new ideas. Others live apart from the modern world. They may avoid technology, dress in traditional clothing, and form close-knit communities to keep modern culture out. The Modernity Spectrum explains these choices without judgment. It helps us compare how people from all faiths respond to today’s world.

This book replaces confusing labels—like Orthodox, Fundamentalist, Liberal, or Evangelical—with two simple terms: Modern and Non-Modern. These terms are easier to understand and apply across all religions. Readers will see how a Buddhist monk, a Muslim woman, and a Christian pastor might all make similar choices—not because of their religion, but because of where they fall on the Spectrum.

With chapters on science, education, modesty, gender, sexuality, food, clothing, and more, this book makes big ideas accessible. Each chapter includes real-life examples from around the world: Hasidic Jews in New York, the Amish in Pennsylvania, Hindu practices in India, Christian Scientists, Muslim communities, and many others.

Rabbi Stephen B. Roberts brings decades of experience as a chaplain and interfaith leader. He has walked with people of all backgrounds in times of crisis, illness, and grief. His voice is compassionate, respectful, and deeply informed. This book reflects that same spirit—inviting all readers, religious or not, into a respectful and honest conversation about faith and the modern world.

A Truth versus The Truth is for everyone:

• People of faith
• Interfaith professionals
• Educators and students
• Policy makers and community leaders
• Anyone curious about why religion still matters today

Whether you embrace modern life, question it, or try to balance both, this book gives you the language to talk about it—with clarity, empathy, and respect.