Why Do Christians Believe That Morality Is Absolute And Objective

Christianity posits that morality is absolute and objective, rooted in the character and commands of God, rather than being a product of human opinion or cultural convention. This belief profoundly shapes Christian ethics, influencing how Christians perceive right and wrong, justice, and the very purpose of human life.

The Foundation of Divine Command Theory

At the heart of Christian moral absolutism lies the Divine Command Theory. This theory asserts that moral obligations are derived directly from God's commands. Something is good because God commands it, and something is bad because God forbids it. This framework provides an external, unchanging standard for moral judgment, transcending individual preferences or societal norms.

• God as the Moral Lawgiver: Christians believe God is the ultimate authority, whose nature is inherently good and just. Therefore, His commands reflect His perfect character, establishing an objective moral code.
• Scripture as the Revelation of God's Commands: The Bible, particularly the Ten Commandments, serves as a primary source of God's moral law, outlining fundamental principles such as prohibitions against murder, theft, and lying, as well as positive commands to honor parents and keep the Sabbath holy.
• Jesus Christ as the Embodiment of God's Moral Standard: Christians believe that Jesus Christ perfectly embodies God's character and moral law. His life, teachings, death, and resurrection provide a living example of how to live righteously and fulfill God's will.

The Argument from God's Nature

The belief in absolute morality is intertwined with the Christian understanding of God's nature:

• God is Immutable: Christians believe that God is unchanging in His character, attributes, and purposes. This immutability extends to His moral standards, which are not subject to change or cultural relativism.
• God is Omniscient: God's perfect knowledge ensures that His moral judgments are based on a complete understanding of reality. He sees the consequences of actions and understands their impact on individuals and society.
• God is Omnibenevolent: God's perfect goodness guarantees that His commands are always for the ultimate good of His creation. His laws are designed to promote human flourishing and prevent harm.

Natural Law and Moral Order

Many Christian thinkers also appeal to the concept of natural law to support the idea of objective morality. Natural law is the belief that moral principles are inherent in the natural order of the universe and can be discovered through reason and observation.

• God as the Creator of Natural Law: Christians believe that God created the universe with inherent laws and principles that govern its operation. These laws include both physical laws (like gravity) and moral laws (like the inherent value of human life).
• Human Reason and Moral Discernment: Humans, created in God's image, possess the capacity to reason and discern the moral order of the universe. Through careful reflection, they can discover the moral principles that God has inscribed in creation.
• Conscience as a Moral Guide: Christians often view conscience as a God-given faculty that enables them to distinguish between right and wrong. Conscience can be informed by reason, scripture, and the teachings of the Church, providing a practical guide for moral decision-making.

The Problem of Moral Relativism

Christians often critique moral relativism, the view that moral standards are subjective and vary from culture to culture or individual to individual. They argue that moral relativism undermines the possibility of objective justice and makes it impossible to condemn actions like slavery, oppression, or genocide.

• The Incoherence of Moral Relativism: Christians argue that moral relativism is inherently contradictory because it undermines the basis for making any moral judgments at all. If all moral standards are equally valid, then there is no basis for criticizing any action, no matter how harmful it may be.
• The Need for Universal Moral Principles: Christians believe that certain moral principles are universally binding on all people, regardless of their culture or beliefs. These principles include the inherent dignity of human life, the importance of truth-telling, and the obligation to treat others with justice and compassion.
• The Consequences of Moral Decay: Christians often point to the social and cultural consequences of rejecting objective moral standards. They argue that moral relativism leads to moral decay, social fragmentation, and a loss of meaning and purpose in life.

The Role of Love in Christian Morality

While Christians believe in objective moral standards, they also emphasize the importance of love as the guiding principle of Christian ethics. Love, in the Christian sense, is not merely an emotion but a commitment to seek the well-being of others.

• Love as the Fulfillment of the Law: Jesus taught that the entire law and the prophets can be summed up in two commandments: to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself.
• Love as the Motive for Moral Action: Christians believe that love should be the primary motive for all moral actions. When Christians act out of love, they are more likely to make decisions that are consistent with God's will and that promote the well-being of others.
• Love as a Balancing Force: Love can help to balance the potential rigidity of moral rules by encouraging compassion, forgiveness, and understanding. Love motivates Christians to apply moral principles with wisdom and sensitivity, taking into account the unique circumstances of each situation.

Challenges to the Christian View of Morality

The Christian belief in absolute and objective morality has faced various challenges, both from within and outside the Christian tradition.

• The Euthyphro Dilemma: This ancient philosophical challenge questions whether something is good because God commands it or whether God commands it because it is good. If the former is true, then morality seems arbitrary. If the latter is true, then morality exists independently of God, undermining the claim that God is the source of morality.
• The Problem of Evil: The existence of evil and suffering in the world raises questions about God's goodness and power. If God is all-good and all-powerful, why does He allow evil to exist? This challenge can lead some to question the existence of objective moral standards or the belief in a benevolent God.
• Cultural Diversity and Moral Disagreement: The fact that different cultures have different moral beliefs can challenge the claim that there are universal moral standards. If morality is absolute and objective, why do people disagree so strongly about what is right and wrong?

Responses to the Challenges

Christian thinkers have offered various responses to these challenges, seeking to defend the coherence and plausibility of their belief in absolute and objective morality.

• Responding to the Euthyphro Dilemma: Some Christians argue that the Euthyphro Dilemma is a false dichotomy. They suggest that God's commands are not arbitrary but flow from His perfect nature. God commands what is good because He is good, and His nature is the ultimate standard of goodness.
• Addressing the Problem of Evil: Christians offer various theodicies (explanations for the existence of evil) to address the problem of evil. Some argue that evil is a necessary consequence of human free will. Others suggest that God allows evil to exist to bring about a greater good, such as the development of character or the opportunity for redemption.
• Explaining Cultural Diversity: Christians acknowledge that cultural differences can influence moral beliefs and practices. However, they argue that these differences do not necessarily undermine the existence of universal moral principles. They suggest that cultural variations often reflect different applications of underlying moral values, such as justice, compassion, and respect for human life.

The Importance of Moral Formation

Christians believe that moral formation is a lifelong process of learning to live in accordance with God's will. This process involves cultivating virtues, practicing good habits, and seeking guidance from scripture, the Church, and the Holy Spirit.

• The Role of Scripture: The Bible provides a comprehensive guide for moral living, offering examples of virtuous behavior, warnings against sin, and principles for making ethical decisions.
• The Importance of Community: Christians believe that they are called to live in community with other believers, supporting and encouraging one another in their pursuit of holiness. The Church provides a context for moral formation, offering teaching, fellowship, and accountability.
• The Power of the Holy Spirit: Christians believe that the Holy Spirit empowers them to live righteously and to overcome temptation. The Spirit guides them in their understanding of God's will and strengthens them to live in accordance with His commands.

Practical Implications of Absolute Morality

The Christian belief in absolute and objective morality has numerous practical implications for how Christians live their lives and engage with the world.

• A Commitment to Justice: Christians are called to seek justice for the oppressed and marginalized, working to create a society that is fair and equitable for all.
• A Dedication to Truth: Christians are committed to truth-telling and honesty in all their dealings, recognizing that truth is essential for building trust and maintaining integrity.
• A Respect for Human Life: Christians believe that every human life is sacred and deserves to be protected, from conception to natural death.
• A Responsibility to Care for Creation: Christians recognize that they are stewards of God's creation and have a responsibility to care for the environment and to use its resources wisely.
• A Call to Reconciliation: Christians are called to be agents of reconciliation, working to heal broken relationships and to overcome divisions based on race, ethnicity, or social class.

Conclusion

The Christian belief that morality is absolute and objective is deeply rooted in their understanding of God's nature, commands, and creation. This belief provides a framework for moral decision-making, a critique of moral relativism, and a call to live in accordance with God's will. While this view faces challenges, Christian thinkers have offered thoughtful responses, seeking to defend the coherence and relevance of their moral convictions. The implications of this belief are far-reaching, influencing how Christians approach issues of justice, truth, human life, creation, and reconciliation, guiding them to live lives of love, service, and faithfulness to God. By adhering to these principles, Christians strive to reflect God's character and to contribute to a more just and compassionate world.