Right and Wrong are Real: Lesson 4

Arguments for God’s Existence: The Moral Argument

Introduction

I’m so glad to finally get to this argument as it has been my favorite one ever since I first read Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis. William Lane Craig has stated that while he does not believe the moral argument is the strongest argument, he has observed it is often the most persuasive. The moral argument for the existence of God suggests that objective moral values and duties exist and that these can only be grounded in God. This argument finds its roots in both philosophical reasoning and theological traditions, offering a compelling case for the existence of an immutable, objective, and transcendent moral lawgiver. Fyodor Dostoevsky, in The Brothers Karamazov, explored the consequences of atheism on morality, famously asserting, “If God does not exist, everything is permitted.” Let’s take a deeper look at the moral argument

Objective Moral Values and Duties

·       Premise 1: If God does not exist, objective moral values and duties do not exist. 

·       Premise 2: Objective moral values and duties do exist.  

·       Conclusion: Therefore, God exists.

Many Christian philosophers argue that without God, moral values would be personally subjective and culturally relative. They would be preferences at best, even if there are utilitarian reasons for them. However, we experience moral values as objectively binding, suggesting the existence of a transcendent source.

C. S. Lewis’s Argument in Mere Christianity

C. S. Lewis eloquently argues that our innate sense of right and wrong points to a moral lawgiver. He compares the moral law to the laws of nature, asserting that, unlike natural laws, we can choose to disobey moral laws, indicating a personal moral source. He writes about the “Law of Human Nature,” describing it as a standard of behavior that people everywhere expect each other to follow. He observes that, unlike the laws of nature, which describe what happens, the moral law prescribes what ought to happen and can be disobeyed. This prescriptive nature of morality suggests a moral lawgiver.

Lewis also argues in his book, The Abolition of Man, that there are universal moral experiences. People across different cultures and times have remarkably similar moral codes. Despite variations, there is a common core of moral values, which Lewis argues points to a common source. Furthermore, our feelings of guilt when we do wrong indicate that we believe we are accountable to a higher standard. Lewis argues that this standard is not of our own making because we feel bound by it even when it goes against our desires.

Counterarguments and Responses

Euthyphro Dilemma: This dilemma asks whether something is good because God commands it or if God commands it because it is good. The former makes it appear as though the command is arbitrary and the latter suggests God is appealing to something beyond himself. The Christian response is that God’s nature, or character, is the standard of goodness. Therefore, God commands what is good because his nature is good, avoiding the dilemma’s pitfalls.

Moral Pluralism: Critics argue that diverse moral practices undermine objective morality.  The Christian response is that while practices may vary, core moral values (e.g., prohibitions against murder) are remarkably consistent across cultures, suggesting a universal moral law.

Key Principles

1.     God is the Source of Morality: Objective moral laws imply a transcendent moral lawgiver whose nature is the standard of goodness. 

2.     Objective Moral Values and Duties: These are best explained by the existence of a transcendent God. 

3.     Human Experience of Morality: Our innate sense of right and wrong reflects the moral law written on our hearts by God.

Bible Study Questions

1.     How do Romans 2:14-15 and Psalm 19:1 support the idea of a universal moral law? 

2.     What does it mean for moral values to be objective? 

3.     How does the existence of objective moral values point to God? 

4.     Discuss the moral implications of a universe without God. Read Judges. What is the conclusion about how a people live when they have no king?

5.     How does C. S. Lewis argue for a moral lawgiver in Mere Christianity? 

6.     In what ways do different cultures reflect common moral values? 

7.     What is the Euthyphro Dilemma, and how does the moral argument address it? 

8.     How can we reconcile moral pluralism with the existence of objective morality? (Hint: Read Romans 1-6) 

9.     What role does conscience play in understanding morality according to Romans 2:14-15? 

10.   How do great works of literature and art reflect the search for moral meaning? 

11.   What does it mean to say that God’s nature is the standard of goodness? What are some specific biblical verses that reveal the goodness of God? What are some other biblical words that describe this moral quality of God’s nature?

12.   How does the moral argument improve your understanding of God’s character, and why is affirming these qualities of God’s character essential to being Christian?

Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection

1.     How has your understanding of morality changed after studying the moral argument? 

2.     In what ways do you experience objective moral values in your daily life? 

3.     How do you respond to moral relativism in our society? Give some practical examples of where you encounter it?

4.     How does believing in a moral lawgiver affect your personal ethical decisions? 

5.     What are some challenges you have experienced in defending the moral argument? 

6.     How can you use the moral argument in conversations with non-believers? 

7.     How do you reconcile personal moral failures with the idea of objective morality? 

8.     How does the moral argument strengthen your faith in God? 

9.     Reflect on a time when you experienced a strong sense of moral duty. Describe that experience. How does this relate to the moral argument? 

10.   How can you integrate the teachings of the moral argument into your daily walk with Christ?

Action Steps

1.     Engage in Dialogue: Practice explaining the moral argument to a friend or family member. 

2.     Reflect on Scripture: Meditate on Romans 2:14-15 and Psalm 19:1, praying for deeper insight into God’s moral law. Consider studying the Ten Commandments to get a fuller understanding of what is being commanded and prohibited in God’s Law. 

3.     Live Out Your Faith: Strive to live according to the objective moral values grounded in God’s character, as revealed in his Word, thus serving as a faithful witness to others in our world.

4.     Read Books About God: I recommend reading, Knowing God, by J.I. Packer, and Knowledge of the Holy, by A.W. Tozer, to learn more about the character and nature of God. And you can’t go wrong with reading Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis.