Biblical-morality Quote by William Lane Craig
““I think that a good start at this problem is to enunciate our ethical theory that underlies our moral judgements. According to the version of divine command ethics which I’ve defended, our moral duties are constituted by the commands of a holy and loving God. Since God doesn’t issue commands to Himself, He has no moral duties to fulfill. He is certainly not subject to the same moral obligations and prohibitions that we are. For example, I have no right to take an innocent life. For me to do so would be murder. But God has no such prohibition. He can give and take life as He chooses. We all recognize this when we accuse some authority who presumes to take life as “playing God.” Human authorities arrogate to themselves rights which belong only to God. God is under no obligation whatsoever to extend my life for another second. If He wanted to strike me dead right now, that’s His prerogative. What that implies is that God has the right to take the lives of the Canaanites when He sees fit. How long they live and when they die is up to Him.””
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Philosophy of Religion, 2015
He argues that divine command theory makes God exempt from moral duties, allowing actions like murder without prohibition.
In simple terms: God’s commands define morality, but God isn’t bound by them.
Key Takeaway
Question the implications of exempting a deity from moral constraints.
Themes
theology
ethics
divine command theory
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- debates on divine morality
- ethical frameworks
- religious authority
- moral responsibility
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
authority
religious doctrine
Questions to Reflect On
- If God can act without moral limits, how do we justify moral standards?
- Does exempting God from duties undermine ethical consistency?
A Different Perspective
The view raises concerns about moral arbitrariness and accountability.
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