There are some atheists who believe in objective moral laws.
However, we have to ask, what is the source of these laws? If they are merely beamed
in from a planet in a far off galaxy, why should we obey them? Do we obey
everything we hear in a sitcom? Of course not! Why then messages from other
planets!
Well, what would give these laws their authority? One
atheist confessed that moral laws are just “brute facts”:
·
The brute ethical facts [laws] just are - that's
the nature of brute facts.
However, if these laws do not come from an authoritative and
all-wise Source, why does it even matter if these “ethical facts [laws]” exist?
The atheist might argue that these laws are actually wired
into our nature by evolution. They are part of us, and, for our own well-being,
we have to live in harmony with them.
I agree in part. These laws are wired into us. However, they
teach us about universal and objective moral truths. They are not just a
bio-chemical series of reactions. Instead, this wiring serves as a fire-alarm
bell. It sounds to alert us of a real and external fire that needs our
attention. When we hurt another, we have ignited a fire, and we have to do
something about it. It is not just a disturbing bell but has significance
beyond our bio-chemical reaction.
If moral law was no more than a disturbing bio-chemical
reaction, it would be like a fire-alarm that sounds without there being a real fire.
In this case, the appropriate reaction would be to either repair it or simply
destroy it.
This is the strategy many have pursued in regards to their
annoying conscience – to stifle its annoying bio-chemical reaction. This can be
achieved, at least partially, with alcohol or drugs. Others resort to
psychotherapy or affiliations that affirm them despite their anti-social or
even criminal behavior, while it seems that others have succeeded in
dismantling their conscience.
Besides, if morality is just a set of impersonal laws, brute
facts, then there is no reason that we cannot simply find ways to overcome them
as we have done with the laws of physics. We have been able to defy gravity
simply by flying on an airplane. Is there any reason that we cannot practice
the same defiance on a moral level?
Should we defy the moral taboos against adultery or incest?
Why not, if they are impersonal brute facts?
Instead, following God’s laws have become a joy for me. They
have infused my life with meaning and fullness:
·
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will
of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. (John 4:34)
No comments:
Post a Comment