Divine Command Theory

What is the Divine Command Theory of morality?

The view that God is the origin and regulator of morality; something is good or bad because God commands it to be so.

How does the story of Abraham and Isaac illustrate Divine Command Theory?

God commanded Abraham to kill his son Isaac to test his faith. Because God commanded it, it was morally good—even though it involved killing.

What does it mean to say God's commands make something "objectively" right or wrong?

It means moral truth is mind-independent—true as a matter of fact, not opinion, and cannot be relativised.

According to Divine Command Theory, how does one achieve moral goodness?

By following God’s commands.

Why do Christians believe morality has a metaphysical foundation?

Because God exists and commands morality, morality is grounded in the divine nature of reality itself.

Why can't there be a moral standard higher than God?

Because if there were, God would be subject to it, making Him inferior—which contradicts His all-powerful nature.

How does Divine Command Theory relate to God’s omnipotence?

If morality existed independently of God, He wouldn’t control it, limiting His power. Omnipotence must include control over moral law.

What type of theory is it?

Objective and Absolutist; absolute right or wrong things to do so moral laws are universally valid. Objective as morality is independent of one’s views or feelings.

What did William of Ockham say about God's role in morality?

"With Him a thing becomes right solely because He wants it so."

In the analogy where God is a general and Christians are soldiers, what is the lesson about morality?

Just as soldiers follow their general’s commands to win the battle, Christians should follow God’s commands—however strange they may seem—because He has the plan for moral victory and their ultimate good.