For a long time, religion has lied at the foundation of ethical theories influential for different peoples around the world. Divine Command Theory is one of the more notable examples of such theories. Roughly, Divine Command Theory represents a view that “morality is somehow dependent upon God, and that moral obligation consists in obedience to God’s commands” (Austin). In other words, morality is ultimately based on God’s commands, and morally right action is the one that God requires.
It is necessary to realize that the exact content of divine commands would differ across particular religions. For instance, even the branches of one religion – Protestantism, Catholicism, and Eastern Orthodoxy in Christianity – can have different views on various subjects. Therefore, for the sake of integrity, hereinafter “God” is understood as a supreme entity that commands the believers what actions are morally right. As such, ethical and moral differences between particular confessions and beliefs will be disregarded.
Overall, Divine Command Theory can be perceived as rather controversial since it virtually removes moral responsibility for actions from a human being. As a result, God’s command can justify potentially questionable actions, making them moral in the process. However, Divine Command Theory also offers certain advantages which can support its existence. For example, it provides “an objective metaphysical foundation for morality” (Austin). In this regard, Divine Command Theory offers clear and objective moral truths presented by God. This assistance makes determining moral truth and values easier for an individual. Consequently, it becomes easier to lead a moral life when God himself provides the necessary guidance.
Moreover, not only does Divine Command Theory pave a clear way to moral truth, but it also explains why it is important to be a moral person. In a theistic paradigm, God holds all people accountable for their actions. As such, “those who do evil will be punished, and those who live morally upstanding lives will be vindicated and even rewarded” (Austin). Essentially, Divine Command Theory offers a somewhat rational argument in favor of leading a moral life.
However, one persistent problem significantly undermines the validity of Divine Command Theory. The Euthyphro Dilemma, rephrased as “Does God command this particular action because it is morally right, or is it morally right because God commands it?” is difficult to resolve within its framework (Austin). If one accepts the former part, that automatically makes the concept of morality arbitrary. Moreover, God loses its supreme status since the believer begins to judge what is morally right instead of him. Accepting the latter part of the dilemma is even more inconvenient since it potentially makes cruelty or any other form of unethical behavior morally justified. As a result, it becomes impossible to follow the Divine Command Theory without engaging in mental gymnastics or making significant moral compromises.
Regardless of all significant logical flaws contained in the Divine Command Theory, one cannot deny that billions of people in today’s society are still religious. It is acceptable if their ethics, moral values, and life attitudes are based on religious beliefs. However, in modern secular society, secular law should always prevail over religion. As such, God’s commands cannot serve as a valid reason for violating the law or discriminating against other people. Applying Divine Command Theory in a dogmatic way can lead to dangerous social consequences. Therefore, believers should take a broad perspective and realize when their beliefs come in contradiction with legally acceptable conduct.
Work Cited
Austin, Michael W. “Divine Command Theory.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Web.