Divine Command Theory

Question 1

Key word:
Secular ethics

Answer 1

The approach which argues that ethical theories and actions are based on human faculties such as logic and reason, and not on religious values or commands given bu God

Question 2

Key word:
Emotivism

Answer 2

The meta-ethical theory that moral judgements are not statements of fact but expressions of the speakers emotional attitudes. Moral judgements are neither true or false but simply expressions of the speakers opinion. Boo/hurrah theory

Question 3

Definition of divine command theory

Answer 3

It is a meta ethical theory which proposes that morality is determined by whether something is commanded by God.

Morality is determined by Gods commands

For a person to be moral they are to follow Gods commands

-it is non naturalistic and cognitive

Question 4

What does divine command theory say morality is based on

Answer 4

-Morality is based in Gods commands

-as we are made imago dei many theologians believe that humans are like God in having rational and moral character

• therefore follows that human moral behaviour should be in the ‘image of God’

So we literally follow Gods commands

Question 5

The Bible

Answer 5

The Bible is the main source of christian ethics, as the infallible word of God and absolute source of morality

For protestants
Gods commands are revealed specifically in scripture

Question 6

John Calvin quote

Answer 6

“ the will of God is the supreme rule of righteousness”

Question 7

Karl Barth quote

Answer 7

“The question of good and evil has been decided and settled once and for all in the decree of God”~karl barth

Question 8

John calvins beliefs

Answer 8

-Calvin used DCT to justify his view on predestination (the idea that everything, including human actions and outcomes is determined in advance)

• For calvin DCT is a natural result of the absolute power and sovereignty of God
• the key theologian argument here is that God can be ‘caused’ to do anything, for that would imply that there is a force external to God, whereas God is believed to be omnipotent

To challenge or question Gods will is to ask for something greater

Question 9

Karl Barths beliefs

Answer 9

• Barth argues that mans obedience to God is the answer to all questions about ethics

-scripture should be used to critique society not the other way around

-The commands of God set christian ethics totally apart from general discussions of what is right and wrong, and totally over-tide fallible human debate on moral issues