Objective morality, also known as moral realism, is the belief that certain moral truths are objective and not simply a matter of personal opinion. It is the idea that certain moral rules are binding on all people, regardless of culture or time. This belief is often used as an argument for the existence of God, as it suggests that a source of objective morality is necessary for the existence of objective moral truths. In this blog post, we will explore the moral argument for God and provide scriptural support for the existence of objective morality.

The Moral Argument

The moral argument for God is a philosophical argument that states that objective morality exists, and the existence of objective morality requires the existence of God. This argument is based on the idea that if God does not exist, then there can be no objective morality. If all moral laws are simply man-made, then they are subject to change or even negation, depending on the whims of those in power. And while it may be possible for a society to function without a belief in God, it cannot do so without some belief in objective moral values.

Rebutting Common Arguments

There are several common arguments against the existence of objective morality and the need for God. One such argument is that morality is simply a result of evolution and societal norms. However, if morality is simply a product of evolution, then there is no justification for claiming that one moral system is better or worse than another. And while societal norms may change over time, this does not necessarily mean that the underlying moral values have changed.

Another common argument is that the existence of evil in the world disproves the existence of God, as an all-knowing and all-powerful God would not allow evil to exist. However, this argument assumes that evil is not necessary for a greater good. In the Christian faith, it is believed that God allows evil to exist because it serves a greater purpose in His plan. Romans 8:28 (ESV) states, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Support From Scripture

The Bible provides support for the existence of objective morality. In the Ten Commandments, God gives a set of rules that are binding on all people. These rules include prohibitions against murder, theft, and lying. Matthew 22:37-40 (ESV) states, “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.'” These verses suggest that there are objective moral truths that are binding on all people.

Conclusion

Objective morality is a necessary component of any functioning society, as it provides a set of moral rules that are binding on all people. The moral argument for God suggests that the existence of objective morality requires the existence of God. By pointing to scriptural support, we can see that there are objective moral truths that are binding on all people, regardless of culture or time. While there may be arguments against the existence of objective morality, we can use God’s Word as a source of truth to provide rebuttals and support the belief in objective morality.

For a deeper look at the arguments for the existence of God, I strongly recommend William Lane Craig’s Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics. Please be sure to also stop by my Apologetics page for additional posts and insights.