Immoral Quote by Walter Sinnott-Armstrong
““God’s commands are arbitrary if He has no reason to command one act rather than another; but, if He does have reasons for His commands, then His reasons rather than His commands are what make acts immoral.””
About This Quote
Source Article: Moral Reasoning and Divine Command, Walter Sinnott‑Armstrong, 2015
If God’s commands are based on reasons, those reasons determine moral status, not the commands themselves.
In simple terms: Moral reasons, not divine orders, define right and wrong.
Key Takeaway
Examine the reasons behind moral rules.
Themes
ethics
theology
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- religious lawmaking
- ethical debates
- personal moral decisions
Key Concepts
divine command theory
moral realism
reason‑based ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What reasons would make a command immoral?
- Can we know God’s reasons?
A Different Perspective
If reasons are unknown, commands may appear arbitrary.
