Divine Command Theory explained

Divine command theory considers the Bible the source of ethics because that is mainly what the bible is for. It believes that what is moral and immoral is commanded by the divine. For instance, the bible contains all of our ethical standards, which we should follow to make the ‘good’ and ‘right’ decisions.

Moral values and certain laws are inherent in human nature. That is the main idea around natural law theory. Ethics are important in our daily lives. It defines what is good and what is bad. But, why is natural law theory so popular, why is it the longest ‘standing’ ethic and what does it mean?

Natural law theory originated from the Italian catholic ‘Thomas Aquinas’. He believed that morality was important for everyone. Aquinas thought that being a good person was crucial. The Bible divines what is morally good or wrong in the divine command theory. Back then not everyone knew about the Bible or had even heard of God.

Is torture wrong because God prohibits it, or does God prohibit torture because it is already wrong?

Plato

There are four assumptions we have to make regarding divine command theory – Pollock states. 1) There is a god 2) God commands and forbids certain acts. 3) An action is right if God commands it. 4) People ascertain what God commands or forbids.

divine command The bible

The divine

Action, choice and behavior

The divine is based on action, choice, and behavior. Also known as DCT. This is what makes something ethical in the eyes of the Lord.

Thomas Aquinas
Thomas Aquinas
Catholic

Read more

Plato
Plato
Greek philosopher

Read more

Socrates
Socrates
Greek philosopher

Read more

The ten commandments

As we experiment in the world of ethics, there are various answers to the grounding problem to explore. One of the most used and most popular is the divine command theory. But with age comes a long history of questions, too, such as the dilemma presented by Plato known as the Euthyphro Problem, which is explained more in detail in the video further below. The ten commandments are ten beneficial laws given by the Creator God to show us how to live a better life now and please God forever. The first four commandments are about our relationship with the Lord. The other six commandments dispense with our relations with others.

According to the Christian faith, the Ten Commandments are essential rules from God that tell Christians to exist. Below is a list of the ten commandments that are truly important regarding the divine command theory.

1. You shall have no other gods before me

You cannot worship something or someone else besides the Lord. So not your PlayStation, your TV, or some random golden statue.
Exodus 20:2-7

2. You shall not make idols

The second commandment forbids that you worship man-made things that represent false gods as if they were the Lord.
Exodus 20:4-5

3. You shall not take the name of your God in vain

It is not allowed to misuse the Lord's name. Therefore, most Christians avoid saying his name if it is irrelevant or intended. The Lord dislikes it when you use his name to commit evil.
Exodus 20:7

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy

The sabbath was made for man and not man for the sabbath. Let that sink in. One can devote that time to worship the Lord.
Exodus 20:8-11

5. Honor your father and your mother

Show that you have high regard for your parents by respecting them. Therefore, we are concerned about their happiness and well-being
Exodus 20:12

6. You shall not murder

Thou shall not kill. This one probably speaks for itself. Killing is taking a life, but murder is a morally unjustifiable taking of life. I believe that is a difference between the old and new testament.
Exodus 20:13

7. You shall not commit adultery

Adultery means cheating. It is forbidden to cheat on your spouse with another person. Therefore, only married couples can have sex
Exodus 20:14

8. You shall not steal

Stealing is taking something that belongs to someone else without having consent. Do not take things that does not belong to you
Exodus 20:15

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor

To speak unjustly against our neighbor, to the prejudice of his reputation. This means that you cannot lie to someone or talk trash about someone.
Exodus 20:16

10. You shall not yearn to possess

Yearning to possess means that you wish, long, or crave something. Yearning is an emotional state generally experienced in events involving loss.
Exodus 20:17

Divine command theory explained

The divine command theory (DCT) claims that God created everything, including a divine rule book for human morality. This is the oldest ethical theory in the world.

The divine command theory, also known as theological voluntarism, is an ethic that we can praise for its simplicity. When one does not know what to do, they can always ask God or find the answer in the bible.

Every ethical system has some foundation, and for the divine command theory, that is God. We should do whatever God commands because God is right. Christians also believe that because of his infinite-good nature, God gives individual beings instructions on living a good life and getting to Heaven after they disappear. 

DCT philosophy as a theology (voluntarism)

DCT philosophy, under the theological framework of voluntarism, asserts that moral values and duties stem from divine commands. This perspective emphasizes the supremacy of divine will in determining ethical norms, highlighting the importance of religious faith and obedience to divine directives. In essence, voluntarism within DCT underscores the role of religious authority and scripture in guiding moral behavior, prompting reflection on the relationship between divine commands and human agency.

Two Incredible Commandments from God

These two fundamental commandments, articulated in the Bible, encapsulate the essence of divine morality and serve as guiding principles for ethical living. The first commandment, to love the Lord with all one’s heart, soul, and mind, underscores the importance of devotion and reverence to the divine. It calls for a wholehearted commitment to spiritual connection and worship. The second commandment, to love one’s neighbor as oneself, emphasizes the significance of compassion, empathy, and altruism in interpersonal relationships. It promotes the cultivation of empathy and kindness towards others, fostering harmonious community and mutual respect. Together, these commandments offer a profound ethical framework rooted in love, faith, and human solidarity.
  1. Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind
  2. Love your neighbor as yourself

Six Greatest Commandments from Jesus

Divine command theory does not write about the 6 greatest commandments from Jesus, but many find it essential. I do not see myself as a Christian, but I am raised by two parents who believe in Jesus Christ and our Lord and savior. I have read the bible, and many of the metaphors are genuinely inspiring. That is why I don’t want to leave out the six greatest commandments from Jesus.

  1. Do not kill
  2. Do not commit infidelity
  3. Do not steal
  4. Do not bear false witness
  5. Do not cheat
  6. Honor your father and mother.

You will love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. And you should love and treat your neighbor as yourself. A couple of years ago I was blessed with a book I got from a client I helped. It is called ‘return to innocence’ by Paul Ferrini, and it was such an eye-opener. It orients you to look at the word the same way Jesus did.

The Religion Teacher on The Greatest Commandment

The Euthyphro dilemma is a pesky problem

The Euthyphro problem consists of two so-called ‘horns.’ Ask yourself the following question: is an action wrong or sinful because God forbids it, or does God forbid it because it is wrong and obverse?

Divine command theory

Is the pious loved by the gods because it is pious, or is it pious because it is loved by the gods?

Plato, Euthyphro
The Euthyphro dilemma presents a challenging philosophical quandary with profound implications for moral theory. This dilemma revolves around two seemingly contradictory propositions, known as the “horns,” which prompt us to scrutinize the nature of morality and its relationship to divine authority. On one horn, the question arises: is an action deemed wrong or sinful simply because God forbids it? Alternatively, on the other horn, does God forbid certain actions because they are inherently wrong or immoral? This dilemma strikes at the heart of Divine Command Theory, forcing us to grapple with the complex interplay between religious belief, moral obligation, and the nature of ethical truths.

Euthyphro’s Horn 1

The first horn of Euthyphro’s dilemma challenges the conventional understanding of morality by questioning whether actions are considered wrong or sinful solely because God forbids them. In essence, it probes the divine command theory’s assertion that the morality of an action is contingent upon God’s prohibition. This horn prompts deep reflection on the nature of moral values, suggesting that, under this perspective, actions are deemed morally wrong merely due to divine decree rather than an intrinsic moral quality. Addressing Euthyphro’s Horn 1 requires careful consideration of the implications for moral objectivity, divine authority, and the foundations of ethical principles.

Euthyphro’s Horn 2

The second horn of Euthyphro’s dilemma challenges the notion that God’s commands determine the morality of actions. Instead, it posits that God forbids certain actions because they are inherently wrong or immoral. This perspective implies an external standard of morality independent of divine authority, suggesting that ethical principles exist prior to and independently of God’s commands. Euthyphro’s Horn 2 raises profound questions about the nature of morality, the relationship between God and moral values, and the possibility of objective moral truths. Exploring this horn involves grappling with issues of moral realism, divine nature, and the foundations of ethical norms.

How divine command theory defines the good

Divine Command Theory (DCT) defines the good as that which aligns with the commands or will of a divine being, typically understood as God. According to DCT, moral goodness is determined by divine commands, meaning that actions are considered morally right or good if they are in accordance with God’s commands, and morally wrong or bad if they contravene them. From the perspective of DCT, the source of moral authority lies in the divine will, and the goodness of an action is contingent upon its conformity to this will. Therefore, what is considered good or morally right is ultimately determined by God’s commands rather than any intrinsic qualities of the action itself. This understanding of the good within DCT emphasizes the importance of religious faith and obedience to divine authority in guiding ethical behavior. It suggests that moral values and duties are grounded in the commands of a transcendent deity, and adherence to these commands is essential for living a morally virtuous life. Overall, Divine Command Theory defines the good as that which is in accordance with the commands of God, emphasizing the centrality of divine authority in determining moral goodness.

Who actually made the divine command theory? (DCT)

Divine Command Theory (DCT) has roots in ancient philosophical and theological thought, but it was formally developed and articulated by various philosophers throughout history. One of the earliest proponents of DCT was the medieval philosopher and theologian St. Augustine of Hippo, who argued for the centrality of divine authority in determining moral truths. However, it was during the medieval period that DCT was more systematically developed, particularly by scholars such as St. Thomas Aquinas. In the modern era, philosophers like William of Ockham and John Duns Scotus further contributed to the refinement and elaboration of DCT. Perhaps the most well-known modern proponent of DCT is the 17th-century philosopher and theologian, Samuel Clarke, who formulated a version of DCT that influenced subsequent discussions in moral philosophy. While DCT has been shaped by various thinkers throughout history, it remains a prominent ethical theory in contemporary discussions of morality, particularly within religious and theological contexts.

A known saint: Thomas Aquinas

Yes, you’re correct. St. Thomas Aquinas is indeed one of the most well-known proponents of Divine Command Theory (DCT). As a medieval philosopher and theologian, Aquinas played a significant role in developing and articulating the theological framework underlying DCT.

Aquinas integrated elements of Aristotle’s philosophy with Christian theology, particularly in his work “Summa Theologica.” In this monumental work, Aquinas discussed the relationship between divine will and moral goodness, laying the groundwork for DCT within the context of Catholic theology.

Aquinas argued that moral principles are derived from divine commands, and obedience to these commands is essential for living a morally upright life. He emphasized the importance of divine authority in determining moral truths and posited that God’s commands serve as the ultimate source of ethical norms.

Aquinas’s contributions to DCT, along with his broader philosophical and theological insights, have had a profound and enduring influence on Western thought, shaping discussions on morality, ethics, and the nature of divine authority.

Key figures of divine command theory

Several key figures have contributed to the development and articulation of Divine Command Theory (DCT) throughout history. Some of the most notable proponents include:

Plato

Plato, the renowned ancient Greek philosopher, delved into questions of morality and the divine in his dialogues. Through characters like Socrates, Plato explored the nature of justice, virtue, and the Good, laying the groundwork for ethical inquiry. While not explicitly formulating Divine Command Theory (DCT), Plato’s dialogues provided fertile ground for later thinkers to contemplate the relationship between morality and divine authority.

Socrates

Socrates, the iconic philosopher of ancient Greece, engaged in probing dialogues that often touched upon questions of ethics and the gods. Though Socrates’ own views on divine command may not be explicitly outlined in his works, his relentless pursuit of truth and wisdom influenced subsequent philosophical traditions, including those that grappled with the concept of divine authority in determining moral truths.

Augustine

Augustine and Divine Voltarism, the influential Christian theologian of the early Church, played a pivotal role in shaping Christian thought on ethics and divine command. Augustine’s theological writings, such as “City of God” and “Confessions,” emphasized the importance of divine commands in establishing moral norms and guiding human conduct. His theological framework laid the groundwork for later developments in Divine Command Theory within Christian theology.

John Duns Scotus

John Duns Scotus, a medieval Franciscan theologian and philosopher, contributed to the refinement of Divine Command Theory within the context of medieval scholasticism. Scotus’s nuanced exploration of the relationship between divine commands and moral obligations further developed the theological underpinnings of DCT. His works provided insights into the sovereignty of God’s will and the implications for human ethics, shaping discussions in moral philosophy and theology.

God’s nature is grounded in goodness

  • Psalm 25:8: Good and upright is the LORD.
  • Psalm 34:8: Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
  • Psalm 86:5: For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever.

Does God Exist?

The assertion that God’s nature is inherently grounded in goodness is a central tenet of many theological and philosophical traditions. This concept suggests that the existence of goodness in the world implies the existence of a benevolent and morally perfect deity. However, the question of God’s existence is a complex and multifaceted issue that encompasses theological, philosophical, and empirical considerations, and it continues to be a subject of debate among scholars and thinkers. Existence of God

Similar to a kind of moral relativism

The idea that God’s nature is grounded in goodness shares similarities with certain aspects of moral relativism, particularly in its recognition of diverse moral perspectives and the possibility of differing interpretations of goodness. However, while moral relativism posits that moral truths are relative to individual or cultural perspectives, the concept of God’s nature being grounded in goodness typically implies an objective standard of goodness rooted in divine authority. Therefore, while there may be parallels between the two concepts, they fundamentally differ in their understanding of the basis of moral values. Moral relativism

5 flaws of divine command theory (examples)

Everything has its pros and cons. Even divine command theory (yes, shockingly). For instance, DCT is solely focused on religion. This can be different for various religions. And religions see their contrasts all over the world – meaning that they can be differently interpreted in another country. Below are listed five examples of flaws in DCT.

#1. The Euthyphro dilemma (arbitrary worry)

The Euthyphro dilemma presents a significant challenge to Divine Command Theory (DCT) by highlighting the arbitrariness of moral commands issued by a divine being. According to this dilemma, if actions are deemed morally good simply because God commands them, then morality appears arbitrary, contingent solely upon divine whim. Alternatively, if God commands certain actions because they are inherently good, then morality exists independently of God’s commands, undermining the central premise of DCT.

#2. There is nothing 'wrong' with abhorrent acts

One flaw of Divine Command Theory is that it fails to provide a satisfactory explanation for why abhorrent acts, such as genocide or torture, would be considered morally wrong solely based on divine commands. Under DCT, if God were to command such acts, they would theoretically become morally permissible, contradicting our deeply-held intuitions about the inherent wrongness of these actions. This highlights a tension between divine commands and our moral intuitions, calling into question the coherence of DCT’s moral framework.

#3. We have no proof or evidence of the existence of God

Another challenge to Divine Command Theory arises from the lack of empirical evidence or proof for the existence of God. Without conclusive evidence of a divine being issuing moral commands, the foundation of DCT becomes precarious. Critics argue that DCT relies on an assumption of God’s existence without sufficient empirical support, raising doubts about the validity of deriving moral obligations from divine commands. This epistemic limitation undermines the persuasiveness of DCT as a comprehensive moral theory.

#4. Times are changing and so are ethics

DCT is one of the oldest ethics. Back in the days when there were no guidelines for what is right and what is wrong, divine command theory was immensely valuable. But times are changing and so are we. Would it be wrong for advertisers to fight for your attention so they can make the most money? 

That is a problem that simply did not exist 25 years ago. Let alone 2500 years ago. There have been numerous philosophers who argued out ethics throughout centuries which we learned so much from.

#5. It can be contradicting regarding what is Evil

According to the church, anything that is against the holy nature of god is considered evil. There are mainly 3 types of evil: metaphysical, physical, and moral. So, the intention of a person can be considered morally good, but it would be wrong according to DCT. 

What DCT says about abortion

The Bible says absolutely nothing about abortion. This holy book was written in an era where it was practiced and viewed with nuance. These days, this topic is still faced with a lot of criticism. Judith Jarvis Thomson debated on this topic that by killing a child, one would be killing an innocent person. The kid has not committed any crimes.

However, there are three factors that back up this concept regarding the divine command theory. One of the 10 commandments states that ‘thou shall not kill’ (Exodus 20:3). So taking that into consideration abortion would be ethically wrong. Ecclesiastes 3:2 says: ‘There is a time to be born and a time to die. There is a time to plant and a time to pull up plants.‘ which is pointing to a ‘natural death’. And abortion is not a natural death.

What DCT says about euthanasia

So, what does divine command theory say about euthanasia? This is a common question. The divine command theory considers euthanasia to be wrong. Life is a gift from god. One of the 10 commandments states that ‘we shall not murder’. As a matter of fact, DCT is one major theory that is strongly against euthanasia.

DCT is an ethic that orients about the bible. So what does the bible actually say about euthanasia? This video from ‘gotquestions.org’ will cover that in more detail.

Table of content

Other Ethics you might find interesting (unless an essay requires you to)

Consequence Ethics

Consequentialism looks only at the outcome of an action rather then the action itself. For example, we are taught that murder is wrong. Consequence ethics

Natural Law Theory

Moral values and certain laws are inherent in human nature. That is the main idea around natural law theory. Ethics are important in our daily

Virtue Ethics

Virtue ethics revolves around three significant aspects; virtue, as the name states, purpose, and happiness. It answers and explains questions like ‘how am I supposed

Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism originates from the followers of Epicurus, also known as Epicureanism. It was founded by the English philosopher Jeremy Bentham as consequentialism ethics. Utilitarianism generally looks at

Deontology

Deontology is an ethical methodology based on absolute rules of behavior, also known as norms. Deontology is not hard to apply at all. For instance, it

Strive to become the best version of you by improving yourself on a daily basis. Stop worrying and start being happy. You deserve to enjoy life! 

Facebook-f Instagram Youtube Pinterest
Sine Wave Syndrome
Sitemap
Webmaster