Religion and morals are closely interrelated, as religion plays a critical role in influencing ethical decisions in the society. The divine command theory is one of the ethical theories that consider God’s will as the ultimate foundation of ethics. According to the divine command theory, things are morally good only because God commands. As such, the theory posits that what is moral is basically determined by what God commands, and that an individual has to follow God’s commands in order to be moral. Both monotheistic and polytheistic religions around the world accept the significance of God’s commands in establishing morality in the society. Mortimer defends the divine command theory of ethics, asserting that the rightness or wrongness of a certain action is subject to God’s commands (Mortimer, 2013). However, Arthur challenges the theory asserting that religion cannot be the basis of morality. Therefore, regardless of what an individual’s conscience is telling him, his action can only be right if it is in agreement with God’s commands.
The divine command theory provides a detailed theological glimpse into the basis of morality. According to Mortimer, the Christian religion is the revelation of the nature of God, a tool through which He reveals his character to the world. It is through such a divine revelation that God makes known what is morally and ethically right. Without religion, an individual would be unable to understand the basic laws of morality that God gives as a form of moral and ethical governance for the society (Mortimer, 2013). According to Mortimer, the most important foundation for a Biblical moral code is actually the belief of the “Doctrine of God the Creator”. As such, God has a direct claim on our obedience because He created everything. Therefore, people have to act in line with what God commands as a show of obedience. Through divine commands, an individual is able to act according to the will of God. This implies that the theory provides a moral compass for individuals who act based on religious values and standards.
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According to the divine command theory, a thing is not right just because people think it is but rather because God commands it. This is because morality is ultimately based on the character of God. The Bible provides important guidelines that help people act according to God’s commands. Thus, there is a clear distinction between right and wrong regardless of what we think will happen. Divine morals are a reflection of God’s character and people should always adhere to God’s commands. Essentially, morality requires faith in God, as well as an afterlife. Every individual has to believe that, indeed, God exists, as the requirements for morality are so high that humans may not be able to bear.
The divine command theory is an effective ethical theory that provides an objective metaphysical basis for morality in the society. The morals truths in the society should actually fit well within a theistic framework such as Christianity. There are various Christian values that influence the behavior of those who profess Christianity in the society today. The theory also provides a compelling reason for being moral because it posits that humans are held accountable for their actions by God. Everyone has to ensure that their actions are in line with God’s commands. The individuals whose actions are evil stand to receive punishment from God, with those who live morally upstanding lives being vindicated and rewarded. Additionally, acts of selflessness have a deep significance and merit within a theistic framework, as God commands such acts of self-sacrifice. It is important to realize that God’s commands are universal, and applies to both Christians and non-Christians, as God is the creator. Although Christians have a better understanding of God’s commands, non-believers are not exempted from God’s commands because the moral laws are universal. Additionally, all people are the children of God, and they are the object of his eternal love.
However, the Divine Command Theory has continued to be controversial. For instance, Arthur rejects the theory claiming that religion is not the basis of morality. According to him, atheists would reject the idea that God commands what is right or wrong. He asserts that God has no reason to command what He commands. He argues that something cannot be right just because God has commanded that it is right (Harrison, 2015). For instance, God would easily command people to lie and murder, making lying and murdering right yet they are inherently wrong. Although Mortimer concedes that some people would argue that their non-belief can exempt them from God’s commands, he strongly disagrees with the idea. Mortimer asserts that the idea of Christian ethics does not imply that there is one law for Christians and another law for non-believers. Instead, Mortimer states that God’s laws are universally valid, with Christians only having a better knowledge of God’s laws, as well as how they apply them to society. Therefore, Mortimer’s argument is stronger, as it not only presents the objective of God’s commands, but also their universality.
In conclusion, religious doctrines form the basis of moral values in the society. Mortimer asserts that God’s reveals his character to the world through his commands. By following God’s commands, individuals can determine what is morally and ethically right. Mortimer also points out that a thing is not right just because one thinks it is right. Instead, a thing is right only if God commands it. Although Arthur counters the divine command theory on the basis that it does not hold for atheists, Mortimer responds claiming that there is no one law for Christians and another for non-believers, as all are the children of God.
References
Harrison, G. K. (2015). The Euthyphro, divine command theory and moral realism. Philosophy , 90 (1), 107-123.
Mortimer, R. C. (2013). Christian ethics . Routledge.
