This article is representing a protestant Christian perspective as part of an interfaith dialogue discussing the question: Is there anything that you consider to be intrinsically right or intrinsically wrong? What grounds do you have for coming to that conclusion? How does the concept of morality impact your everyday life? Other perspectives from different faiths are presented by Unknowing Mind (Buddhist) and Sojourner (Pagan)
C. S. Lewis, in his work "Mere Christianity," argues that humans live under a kind of natural law. That when we tell someone that they are wrong we mean something more profound than mere aesthetic decisions. For example, if you tell a friend that they were wrong for lying to you, you mean more than if you say, "I like chocolate ice cream" or "the color red is the best." That may be hard for us to understand in a culture that insists on the relativism of all ethics, but even in our culture there are still things that are seen to be indefensible. Most people would agree with the statement "It is always wrong to be intolerant." But, if you press people as to WHY that statement is wrong they will say something vague about the "common good" or "peace and harmony" but they have no real ground for their ethical claim. Lewis point out that while we may disagree on the specific content of our moral law, we all claim a moral law nonetheless. That begs the question: what possibly could be suitable grounds for a moral law? Clearly our perspectives on this law can be different, we can disagree or even warp ourselves into thinking that something wrong is actually right, but in the end we all assume in our use of language that there really is a right or wrong somewhere out there in the objective world.
This actually leads us to a very interesting argument: If there is an internal moral law that requires a legislature bigger than ourselves (otherwise it is merely an aesthetic choice). If we are to hold society and nations to the same standard of justice, we are therefore looking to a lawgiver bigger than societies and nations. Natural selection could not account for the arising of a moral law, indeed, often it would seem a person or society much more survivable without a sense of morality. In fact, if we are honest with ourselves we all seem to be in a bit of a paradox (that Lewis also points out), we often do things that are natural to us, but that we know by our internal law that they are wrong. This draws us deductively towards the conclusion which the ancient Hebrews were given:
And God spoke all these words: "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. "[1] You shall have no other gods before me. [2] "You shall not make for yourself an idol .... [3] "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, .... [4] "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.... [5] "Honor your father and your mother,... [6]"You shall not murder. [7] "You shall not commit adultery. [8] "You shall not steal. [9] "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. [10] "You shall not covet your neighbor's house.... [excerpts from NIV Exodus 20: 1 - 17]
An old mentor of mine once said that God did not give us his law to "rain on our parade." God gave us his law because it simply is the best way for us to live. Rob Bell, in his work "Velvet Elvis," discusses the law of God in these kinds of terms as well. Think about it, don't God's values make the most sense Being careful of what we say about and attribute to God is very wise. Taking a break each week to refocus is extremely healthy. Treating your parents with honor confirms your own existance. Respecting human life is obviously important. Placing value on the relationship of marriage is the only way to make a marriage work. Being honest is particularly important when in a court of law. It is a rotten way to live always wishing you had someone else's life, or trying to take someone else's stuff. These things are not rocket-science, but they are shockingly difficult to incorporate into life no matter how intuitive they are. Perhaps that is why the ancient sage said:
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. [NIV Psalm 19:7-11]
Now Plato raised the question (he actually attributed it to Socrates), How can God be declared good and at the same time be the one who is defining good. While this is a very clever logical riddle (much like Xeno's paradox), indeed it is impossible to imagine how it could be otherwise. What does the law say about God? Parents who give their children good rules show that they care about their children, and ultimately, show that they are (at least to some degree) good and wise people. Christianity, however, offers an even deeper and more profound answer to that riddle. Jesus summarizes the law in the following way:
"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." [NIV Matthew 22: 36 - 40]
Indeed, at the core of all the commandments is God's primary value: sacrificial love in relationship. The Christian doctrine of God insists that he is a Trinity. That means the Father loved the Son loved the Spirit in perfect relationship for all of eternity. If that is the case, than the law which God commands for us to follow is an extrapolation on who he is by nature. Therefore, his good law is based upon his good nature. The ground for Christian ethics lies in the nature of God. He is good in that he always remains faithful to his loving nature, and his law is consistant with that nature.
As a follower of Jesus, God's law effects me in two ways. First, it shows me the areas in my life where I am in need of the forgiveness that Jesus offers. It demonstrates to me the things that I have done wrong, and gives me to opportunity to receive God's grace. Second, as the Holy Spirit works in my life I more and more begin to value the the things that God values. He slowly transforms the Christian's life into one that better reflects the things God finds important. As
He does that I find more and more the truth of how truly beneficial His law is.
C. S. Lewis, in his work "Mere Christianity," argues that humans live under a kind of natural law. That when we tell someone that they are wrong we mean something more profound than mere aesthetic decisions. For example, if you tell a friend that they were wrong for lying to you, you mean more than if you say, "I like chocolate ice cream" or "the color red is the best." That may be hard for us to understand in a culture that insists on the relativism of all ethics, but even in our culture there are still things that are seen to be indefensible. Most people would agree with the statement "It is always wrong to be intolerant." But, if you press people as to WHY that statement is wrong they will say something vague about the "common good" or "peace and harmony" but they have no real ground for their ethical claim. Lewis point out that while we may disagree on the specific content of our moral law, we all claim a moral law nonetheless. That begs the question: what possibly could be suitable grounds for a moral law? Clearly our perspectives on this law can be different, we can disagree or even warp ourselves into thinking that something wrong is actually right, but in the end we all assume in our use of language that there really is a right or wrong somewhere out there in the objective world.
This actually leads us to a very interesting argument: If there is an internal moral law that requires a legislature bigger than ourselves (otherwise it is merely an aesthetic choice). If we are to hold society and nations to the same standard of justice, we are therefore looking to a lawgiver bigger than societies and nations. Natural selection could not account for the arising of a moral law, indeed, often it would seem a person or society much more survivable without a sense of morality. In fact, if we are honest with ourselves we all seem to be in a bit of a paradox (that Lewis also points out), we often do things that are natural to us, but that we know by our internal law that they are wrong. This draws us deductively towards the conclusion which the ancient Hebrews were given:
And God spoke all these words: "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. "[1] You shall have no other gods before me. [2] "You shall not make for yourself an idol .... [3] "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, .... [4] "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.... [5] "Honor your father and your mother,... [6]"You shall not murder. [7] "You shall not commit adultery. [8] "You shall not steal. [9] "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. [10] "You shall not covet your neighbor's house.... [excerpts from NIV Exodus 20: 1 - 17]
An old mentor of mine once said that God did not give us his law to "rain on our parade." God gave us his law because it simply is the best way for us to live. Rob Bell, in his work "Velvet Elvis," discusses the law of God in these kinds of terms as well. Think about it, don't God's values make the most sense Being careful of what we say about and attribute to God is very wise. Taking a break each week to refocus is extremely healthy. Treating your parents with honor confirms your own existance. Respecting human life is obviously important. Placing value on the relationship of marriage is the only way to make a marriage work. Being honest is particularly important when in a court of law. It is a rotten way to live always wishing you had someone else's life, or trying to take someone else's stuff. These things are not rocket-science, but they are shockingly difficult to incorporate into life no matter how intuitive they are. Perhaps that is why the ancient sage said:
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. [NIV Psalm 19:7-11]
Now Plato raised the question (he actually attributed it to Socrates), How can God be declared good and at the same time be the one who is defining good. While this is a very clever logical riddle (much like Xeno's paradox), indeed it is impossible to imagine how it could be otherwise. What does the law say about God? Parents who give their children good rules show that they care about their children, and ultimately, show that they are (at least to some degree) good and wise people. Christianity, however, offers an even deeper and more profound answer to that riddle. Jesus summarizes the law in the following way:
"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." [NIV Matthew 22: 36 - 40]
Indeed, at the core of all the commandments is God's primary value: sacrificial love in relationship. The Christian doctrine of God insists that he is a Trinity. That means the Father loved the Son loved the Spirit in perfect relationship for all of eternity. If that is the case, than the law which God commands for us to follow is an extrapolation on who he is by nature. Therefore, his good law is based upon his good nature. The ground for Christian ethics lies in the nature of God. He is good in that he always remains faithful to his loving nature, and his law is consistant with that nature.
As a follower of Jesus, God's law effects me in two ways. First, it shows me the areas in my life where I am in need of the forgiveness that Jesus offers. It demonstrates to me the things that I have done wrong, and gives me to opportunity to receive God's grace. Second, as the Holy Spirit works in my life I more and more begin to value the the things that God values. He slowly transforms the Christian's life into one that better reflects the things God finds important. As He does that I find more and more the truth of how truly beneficial His law is.
