Why Do Christians Believe That Morality Is Absolute And Objective

Why Do Christians Believe That Morality Is Absolute and Objective?

For Christians, the foundation of morality isn't a shifting societal consensus or a matter of personal preference. Instead, it's rooted in the belief of a transcendent, all-knowing, and all-powerful God who has revealed His moral will through both general revelation (nature and conscience) and special revelation (primarily the Bible). This understanding leads to the conviction that morality is both absolute, meaning it applies universally and unchangingly, and objective, meaning it exists independently of human opinion or culture.

The Divine Command Theory: God as the Source of Morality

A core tenet underpinning the Christian view of absolute and objective morality is the Divine Command Theory. This theory posits that moral actions are those commanded by God, and immoral actions are those forbidden by God. God, being perfectly good and all-knowing, sets the ultimate standard for right and wrong. This isn't simply a matter of arbitrary decrees; rather, God's commands reflect His own perfect nature and His design for human flourishing.

God's Character and Moral Law

God's character—His holiness, justice, love, mercy, and truth—forms the bedrock of His moral law. These attributes aren't randomly assigned; they are inherent to His being. Therefore, the commands He gives aren't capricious whims but logical expressions of His nature. For example, the commandment against murder stems from God's inherent value for human life, a value reflected in His creation of humanity in His own image (Genesis 1:27). Similarly, the commandment to love one's neighbor reflects God's own overflowing love.

The Problem of Arbitrariness: A Common Objection

A frequent critique of the Divine Command Theory is the Euthyphro dilemma, which asks: Is an action morally good because God commands it, or does God command it because it is inherently good? If the former is true, then morality becomes arbitrary – God could command anything and it would be automatically good, even actions we instinctively consider evil. If the latter is true, then morality exists independently of God, undermining the Divine Command Theory.

Christians respond to this dilemma in several ways. Some argue that God's commands are not arbitrary because they flow from His perfect nature. His commands are expressions of His character, not independent dictates. Others emphasize that God's commands are always aimed at human flourishing and reflecting His glory, making them intrinsically good, even if the reasons for them are only fully knowable by God.

The Bible: A Revelation of God's Moral Will

The Bible, for Christians, is the primary source of special revelation, offering a concrete and detailed account of God's moral will. It's not just a collection of rules but a narrative that unfolds God's relationship with humanity, revealing the consequences of both obedience and disobedience to His commands.

The Ten Commandments: A Foundation of Moral Law

The Ten Commandments, found in Exodus 20, are often cited as a foundational expression of God's moral law. They address key areas of human life, covering our relationship with God and our relationships with one another. These commandments provide a framework for ethical behavior, forbidding actions like murder, theft, and lying, while encouraging virtues like honesty, respect, and reverence for God.

The Teachings of Jesus: Fulfillment and Expansion

The teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament are viewed as a fulfillment and expansion of the Old Testament law. Jesus emphasized the importance of love – love for God and love for neighbor – as the ultimate fulfillment of the law (Matthew 22:37-40). He exemplified this love through his actions, demonstrating compassion, forgiveness, and self-sacrifice. His teachings provide deeper insights into the ethical implications of the law, addressing issues of forgiveness, justice, and the importance of inner transformation.

The Concept of the "Golden Rule": Universal Applicability

The "Golden Rule" (Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31), which encourages us to treat others as we would want to be treated, is a principle with universal applicability. It transcends cultural boundaries and offers a clear ethical guideline for navigating interpersonal relationships. This concept aligns with the objective nature of Christian morality, as it suggests a moral standard that's applicable across different societies and time periods.

Natural Law and Human Conscience: General Revelation

While special revelation through Scripture is central, Christians also believe in general revelation, which refers to God's revelation of Himself through nature and human conscience. This belief suggests an inherent sense of morality within every human being, regardless of religious affiliation or cultural background.

The Order of Creation: Witnessing God's Design

The order and beauty of the natural world are seen as evidence of God's design and wisdom. This order implies certain moral principles, such as the preservation of life, the importance of stewardship, and the inherent value of creation. This argument suggests that objective moral principles can be discovered through careful observation and reflection on the natural world.

The Human Conscience: An Inner Moral Compass

Christians believe that every human being possesses a conscience, an inner moral compass that guides us toward right and wrong. While this conscience can be corrupted or distorted by sin, it reflects a fundamental sense of morality implanted by God. This inherent moral sense is evidence of an objective moral order imprinted on the human heart.

Limitations of General Revelation

It's important to note that general revelation is limited. While it reveals a basic understanding of morality, it doesn't provide the complete and detailed picture offered by special revelation. The conscience can be misguided, and the natural world can be misinterpreted. Therefore, general revelation needs to be supplemented by the clearer and more comprehensive guidance found in the Bible.

The Role of Reason and Scripture in Moral Decision-Making

Christians don't view faith and reason as opposing forces. Instead, they see them as complementary tools for understanding God's will and making ethical decisions.

Reason's Role in Interpreting Scripture

Reason is crucial for interpreting Scripture correctly, understanding its context, and applying its principles to specific situations. This means engaging with the text carefully, considering different perspectives, and allowing scripture to speak to contemporary issues in a thoughtful and meaningful way.

Applying Biblical Principles to Complex Issues

The Bible doesn't explicitly address every contemporary moral dilemma. Therefore, Christians must use reason to apply biblical principles to new situations, considering the relevant context and aiming to discern God's will in these circumstances. This often involves considering multiple perspectives, seeking wise counsel, and praying for guidance.

The Importance of Humility

Acknowledging the limitations of both human reason and individual understanding is essential. Humility is crucial in approaching complex ethical issues, recognizing that our understanding may be incomplete and acknowledging the possibility of making mistakes.

Addressing Objections: Cultural Relativism and Moral Subjectivism

The Christian view of absolute and objective morality is often challenged by perspectives like cultural relativism and moral subjectivism.

Cultural Relativism: Morality Determined by Culture

Cultural relativism argues that morality is determined by the norms and values of a particular culture. This view challenges the notion of absolute and objective morality, suggesting that what is considered right or wrong varies from society to society. Christians respond to this by arguing that cultural norms can often conflict with God's revealed moral law. While cultural context is important, it cannot override God's unchanging standards for human behavior.

Moral Subjectivism: Morality Determined by Individual Preference

Moral subjectivism asserts that morality is simply a matter of personal preference or opinion. This view denies the existence of any objective moral truth, claiming that what is right or wrong is entirely up to the individual. Christians would counter that this perspective overlooks the existence of a transcendent moral standard revealed by God and evidenced in human nature and conscience. It leaves morality open to individual whims and lacks a stable foundation for ethical decision-making.

Conclusion: A Foundation for Ethical Living

The Christian belief in absolute and objective morality provides a firm foundation for ethical living. It offers a clear and consistent framework for making moral decisions, grounding ethical principles in the unchanging character of God and His revealed will. This understanding offers not only a moral compass but also a source of hope and encouragement, reminding us that God's love and justice are steadfast and unwavering. While applying these principles in the complexities of modern life requires thoughtful reflection and engagement, the Christian perspective offers a compelling and enduring vision of morality rooted in the divine.