Abiding Quote by Alan Dershowitz
“For most people, the question why be good - as distinguished from merely law abiding - is a simple one. Because God commands it, because the Bible requires it, because good people go to Heaven and bad people go to Hell.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public lecture on ethics, 1998
Goodness is defined by divine command and scriptural requirement, not merely legal compliance.
In simple terms: Goodness follows God's rules, not just law.
Key Takeaway
Follow moral law beyond legal obligations.
Themes
ethics
religion
law
morality
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
motivational
When to use this quote
- Personal decision making
- legal practice
- community leadership
Key Concepts
Divine command theory
deontological ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you define good by law or higher moral law?
- How does faith shape your ethical choices?
A Different Perspective
Relies on belief in specific religion, limiting universal applicability.
