Divine command theory essay

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Divine Command Theory Several arguments are presented over the subject of the popular Divine Command Theory. This concept is basically the idea that we as humans are given free will, however God ultimately decides what is morally wrong and right. So, if we are to live a righteous and moral life, then we are to follow his commands whatever they might be. According to philosophers, this belief provides much controversy in its different arguments. The advantages of this philosophy include the solution of the “ objectivity of ethics,” as Rachel states. It eliminates the morality portion and explains that whatever God says is right is right and whatever he says is wrong is wrong. This ends in the result of accountability for everyone.

Disadvantages of the Divine Command Theory have been discovered by ancient famous philosophers who bring up a variety of arguments and questions against it. One problem with this theory is that the morality is unknowingly mysterious. The way Rachels sees it is this; God commands us to do what is right and forbids what is wrong, however he could easily say that a sinful act is ethical and it would make that sin lawful. Therefore, it creates great confusion and mystery to the concept. Another problem is explained somewhat similar to that of the first idea, but making God’s commands more arbitrary or random. If he commands us doing correct moral acts, he could also command us to be unlawful and be criminals or something awful. So, this makes this disadvantage arbitrary. The last difficulty describes the incorrect explanations for these morals.

According to Rachels’ book, the Divine Command Theory suggests that if God wasn’t existent, then criminal acts would not be unlawful and wrong. This then leads to the questioning if God was not here, then he could not decide whether something was right or wrong, such as an action like child abuse. However, wrong doings remain to stay immoral if he existed or not due to the way our societies are made. In my opinion, I know that God exists with all my being and I accomplish what He commands me to do. However, I don’t believe that He would convey that I need to act in an unmoral matter or commit some type of sinful act just because He can. I believe that he enlightens us to do what is right because it is good in his eyes and ours.