Divine Command Theory Evaluation Flashcards
(Weakness) If we agree God’s laws are _ we have a problem. We could ask why God does not command laws that allow cruel actions as well as good actions, if he said lying was good then it would be so.
absolute
(Strength) Socrates argues that God commands right behaviour because it is right and God’s commands are the result of his _. God is good and only commands what is good
omniscience
(Weakness) The issue with Socrates’ objection is that it suggests a standard of goodness _ of God and therefore God is no longer the ultimate standard of morality. And if God obeys a higher law he is not supreme.
independant
(Strength) Theists say that goodness is not _ to God but rather something with which he is fully identified
external
(weakness) It assumes a God who issues commands, it’s very difficult to _ to somebody who refuses to believe in God
prove
(weakness) Even assuming God exists, there are the problems associated with human understanding being _ and unable to find out exactly what God’s commandments are, we might make mistakes.
imperfect
(Weakness) The _ states there are different ethical systems and principles that can be found in different religions of the world. It is difficult to tell whether one system is right and if the other one is wrong. It’s also challenging to tell whether the systems are compatible since they exist in significantly different places and what is seen as virtuous in one faith is condemned in another.
Pluralism objection
(Weakness) If the bible is the word of God we still have the problem of _ as different people interpret in different ways.
interpretation
(weakness) Why should we obey a supreme moral governer in the first place? _ are not good moral reasons for obedience, we should have a duty to decide for ourselves what is right and wrong as a good god shouldn’t be a punishing God.
threats / rewards
(weakness) This theory basically states that non catholics are _, which is unappealing compared to natural moral law which believes the course to moral decisions is reason, which God gave to everyone not just believers.
immoral
(Strength) The rules are _ and correct for all times and places
universal
(strength) the system is _ to follow
straightforward
(strength) there is an _ most christians link moral commandments with the promise of life after death
endgoal
(strength) God doesn’t have _, his omniscience makes him totally aware of human deeds and makes the perfect judge
human weaknesses
(Strength) provides an _ view of morality, which is based off of wise teachings from an omniscient God
objective
