The Foundation of Morality: Beyond Religious Observance
> A common objection to religious belief is the assertion that individuals can lead moral lives without adhering to a particular faith tradition. This perspective posits that ethical behavior does not necessitate a religious framework. Christians, while agreeing that non-religious people can indeed act morally, often contend that Christianity provides a foundation for understanding objective moral values and duties. This article examines the Christian response to the concept of morality independent of religion, the scriptural context of moral law, and the insights of Christian apologist C.S. Lewis on the moral argument for God’s existence.
The Universality of Moral Behavior:
It is evident across cultures and societies that individuals are capable of moral behavior without a religious backdrop. Acts of kindness, fairness, and justice are not confined to religious adherents. Christians acknowledge this reality and affirm the inherent moral capacity of all people, which they attribute to being made in the image of God (Imago Dei).
Christianity and Objective Moral Values:
While recognizing the universality of moral actions, Christians argue that Christianity provides an objective basis for moral values and duties. The moral framework within Christianity is not merely a set of arbitrary rules but is grounded in the character and nature of God. The moral law reflects God’s perfectly good nature, and thus, it provides a transcendent standard for right and wrong.
Scriptural Context of Moral Law:
In Matthew 5:17, Jesus states, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” This passage underscores the continuity and fulfillment of the moral law within the Christian narrative. Jesus’ teachings and life exemplify the perfect embodiment of moral law, and through His teachings, Christians derive principles that inform their ethical decisions and actions.
C.S. Lewis and the Moral Argument for God:
C.S. Lewis, a renowned Christian apologist, addressed the moral argument for the existence of God. He posited that the presence of a universal moral law suggests a moral Lawgiver. In his works, Lewis argues that while people may differ on the specifics of moral codes, the existence of a shared moral sense across humanity points to something beyond mere social or evolutionary constructs.
“The Abolition of Man” by C.S. Lewis:
In “The Abolition of Man,” C.S. Lewis defends the objective reality of moral values against the rising tide of moral subjectivism. He cautions against the dismissal of objective value, which he refers to as the “Tao,” a concept analogous to the natural law. Lewis warns that when education and society abandon the objective moral order, it leads to the dehumanization and manipulation of individuals. The book serves as a prophetic critique of moral relativism and a defense of the objective moral truths that Christianity upholds.
Conclusion:
The assertion that one can be moral without being religious is a reflection of the broader human capacity for ethical behavior. However, Christians maintain that Christianity offers an objective grounding for moral values and duties, rooted in the character of God. Through the teachings of Jesus and the moral insights of Christian thinkers like C.S. Lewis, believers find a coherent and robust framework for understanding and living out morality. “The Abolition of Man” remains a pivotal work in articulating the importance of objective moral values and the dangers of abandoning them, inviting readers to consider the source and foundation of their own moral convictions.
