The Complexity of Moral Law in the Absence of God

Consider the monumental challenge faced by mere humans in a vast universe filled with countless lives stretching through the past, present, and future. It is indeed implausible to expect a singular human or collective humans to conduct a thorough inquiry, render judgment, and administer punishment. The necessity of an all-knowing, just, and compassionate deity becomes apparent. For believers, this deity is central to their moral framework.

Religious Perspectives on Morality

The majority of the world's religions define their belief in a god whose moral laws apply universally. This deity is often seen as the ultimate arbiter of good and evil. For believers, actions such as killing someone to save a child or defending oneself against a threat are morally justifiable. However, the question arises when believers begin to justify the killing of homosexuals, owning slaves, or beating slaves; all of these actions are rooted in religious scriptures.

Pre-Scriptural Morality

It is important to recognize that moral laws existed long before the Bible. Any community's values form the basis of ethical conduct, not just religious teachings. The Bible promotes one specific set of values among many existing moral frameworks. Therefore, the idea that objective morality needs to be defined within the context of a single religious text is a narrow view.

Foundation of Objective Morality

Without a properly defined god, the foundation of objective morality crumbles. However, this does not necessarily mean that all human societies are devoid of such moral standards. The legal systems of every nation are based on the Ten Commandments, which were given to the ancient Israelite leader Moses by God on Mount Sinai. These commandments serve as the cornerstone of many moral codes around the world.

Morality as a Divine Commandment

My perspective on objective morality is rooted in the belief that it exists because God commanded it into existence, specifically through the Ten Commandments. Human beings are created in the image of God, our ultimate Father, and we have the capacity for creative thought and moral reasoning—unlike animals, which act on instinct and lack creativity in their actions. Objective morality distinguishes us from animals and is a key aspect of our humanity.

Ethical Human Conduct

A truly moral individual thinks beyond immediate urges and desires, considering the long-term consequences of their actions. For instance, it is wrong to harm others, take what is not rightfully theirs, or force others for personal gain. Those who violate these moral codes generally experience a deep fear of the consequences and are often arrested, tried, convicted, and sentenced for their actions.

Conclusion

While many argue that objective morality does not exist without a god, it is clear that societal and legal structures have long recognized and enforced such moral principles. The fear of punishment and the natural consequences of breaking these codes serve as powerful deterrents and uphold the fabric of human society. Morality, therefore, remains a fundamental aspect of human existence, articulated and enforced through various religious and secular frameworks.