MORAL LAW. Introduction:Most basic questions: - Epistemology- This area asks How do I. - Metaphysics- This area asks, What is real?

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1 MORAL LAW Mr A Introduction:Most basic questions: - Epistemology- This area asks How do I know? - Metaphysics- This area asks, What is real?, What is eternal? - Now we come to Ethics, which asks How ought I to live?

2 Goal of Ethics - Ethics is concerned with giving rational justification to answer the question- - WHAT IS THE? - GOOD Requirements 5 things that are required for Ethics: 1. There must be a metaphysical absolute (Only some is eternal.) 2. There must be personal immortality (Consequences SHORT and LONG term) 3. There must be personal choice. (Choices are made based on values) 4. The must be ABSOLUTELY clear (Clarity is required for accountability) 5. The must be Rationally Justified (That s what allows all humans to follow it)

3 Conclusion There is a Moral Law that is (3 C s): A. Clear - the moral law is grounded in human nature B. Comprehensive - it applies to ALL choices since all choices AIM to achieve the C. Critical - the consequences of achieving the are a matter of LIFE or DEATH (spiritually) Going Forward How we will DERIVE each Moral Law: We will begin each moral law with universal concepts and show that there is an ORIGIN of them We will discuss the NATURE of these concepts We will conclude with the final LAW itself We will discuss the APPLICATIONS and how people try to not follow the Law Lastly, we will discuss the CONSEQUENCES of following or not following the Law

4 Origin Nature Law Application Consequences ORIGIN: a. The good is grounded in human nature, in the reality of choice b. CHOICE assumes VALUES c. VALUES assumes the GOOD MORAL LAW 1 God and the The GOOD: A. is the end in itself B. is NOT virtue C. is NOT happiness God, as creator of human nature, is the determiner of good and evil for man.

5 7. Teleology - Goal focus (Is 11:9) Deontology - Duty or Consequentialism - Happiness (Matt 7:22,23) (Ecc 2:1-3) 6. Moral Law Divine Cmd Theory (Num 22:20-32) 5. Moral Law (Deut 30:11-14) (Rom 2:14,15) Heteronomy - Outside law Moral Law 1 Text 4. Theonomy - God s Law (Duet 5:33) Autonomy (self law) 1. Theism (Gen 1:1) Non-Theism (Ps 14:1) 2. Objective Clarity (Rom 1:20) Skepticism & Fideism (John 17:3) (Prov 1:22) (Prov 2:1-5) 3. Subjective Clarity (Heb 11:6) Emotivism & Voluntarism (Jer 17:9) Moral Evil is the denial of one s nature as a rational being (Rom 3:10-18) Denial of reason is spiritual death. Self- meaninglessness, boredom and guilt. Group - death of relationships/ institutions & cultures. V S To affirm what is clear about God brings a life full of meaning. (John 17:3) ML 1 CONSEQUENCES

6 ORIGIN: a. By nature we think b. All humans have an idea about God A. Thinking is presuppositional B. Less basic in light of More basic: C. If we agree on more basic ideas, we will agree on less basic ideas TRUTH Experience Meaning Belief Finite/Temp Infinite/Eternal MORAL LAW 2 On Thinking and the Nature of God We are to think presuppositionally about God. We are to think about the finite (man) in light of the infinite (God). 7. Divine Nature All forms of Idolatry (misconceptions of God) (Jn 17:3) 6. Divine Nature Pop Chr. Doctrine of Hell (John 11:25,26) (Rev 20:6,10,14)(Rev 21:8) 5. Divine Nature Suffering & Indulgences pay for sin (Acts 8:18-20) (Heb 12:5-11) Moral Law 2 4. Divine Nature Denial of Vicarious Atonement (Jews) (Isa 53) 1. Presuppositional thinking Non- Presuppositional thinking (Exo 20:4-6) 2. Divine Nature Deism & Divine Justice (Gen 3:14-19)(Rom 6:23) 3. Divine Nature Denial of Atonement (Islam) (Heb 9:15)

7 DDACC Distortions --> Divisions --> Apostasy --> Cultural decay --> Collapse (2 Kings 17:7-23) V S Affirmation of the true nature of God brings unity among theists, continuity of belief through the generations, & increase of understanding. (Deut 7:9) ML 2 CONSEQUENCES ORIGIN: a. There is a natural unity in our being. b. There is a natural concern not to be divided against oneself. MORAL LAW 3 Integrity and Knowledge A. Integrity is a concern for consistency (unity) in what we say and what we do. (Ecc 5:4-7) B. Both implicit & explicit, to ourselves, and to others. C. Integrity is not sincerity. (Job 27:2-6) (Job 40:6-8) We should have integrity; we should have a concern for consistency.

8 7. Integrity Practical & Psychological concerns above Truth (James 4:4) 6. Integrity Hypocrisy (failing to change)(rom 2:1-5) 5. Integrity (Pro 6:1-5) & Vows (Num 30:2) (Deut 23:21) (Ecc 5:5) Moral Law 3 4. Integrity & Discipline (James 1:19-25) 1. Integrity & Self-examination (Mat 7:1-5) 2. Integrity & Commitment to Reason (Mat 5:37) (Titus 1:10-16) 3. Integrity & Accepting implications (1 Cor 15:12-19)(Mat 12:22-37) V S As integrity increases, clarity increases. As integrity decreases, stupor increases. ML 3 CONSEQUENCES

9 ORIGIN: a. To bring into being and to sustain in being requires work b. Work is a part of our nature because we exert energy to accomplish things MORAL LAW 4 Work, and True Hope A. Work is not an end in itself. It is a means to the good. B. The good is the knowledge of God C. The good is achieved through work CICICCCFUT D. Work for the good requires hope We should work for the with True Hope. 7. True Hope Beatific Vision- seeing God (John 1:18)(1 Tim1:17)(Deut 4:12) (John 5:37)(John 4:24) 6. True Hope Cyclical Fatalism (Gen 1:26-31) (Gen 2:1-3) 5. True Hope Millennial Supernaturalism (Gen 1:26-28) (Matt 28:18-20) Moral Law 4 4. True Hope Salvation by works (Is 64:6) (Eph 2:8,9) 1. True Hope Heaven & no work as the (John 17:3)(2 Thes 3:6-15) 2. True Hope (Pro 6:6-9) No Hope (everything is meaningless)(heb 11:8-13, 39) (Rom 8:28) 3. True Hope Man bringing Heaven on Earth (Rom 3:10-18)

10 V S Work for the good is fulfilling Work apart from the is empty (Ecc 2:17-26) ML 4 CONSEQUENCES ORIGIN: a. We are born ignorant. b. We need to be taught the good and the means to the good c. Authority is expressed fundamentally in teaching MORAL LAW 5 Authority & Insight A. Authority is rational, not personal B. Authority is based on insight, not might C. Insight is historically cumulative, not individual Authority based on insight must be honored. Authority without insight must be changed where possible.

11 7. Auth & Insight State over Family State over Business (or Vice versa) 6. Auth & Insight Church & State being together 5. Auth & Insight Totalitarianism among Institutions (Gov t over All) Moral Law 5 4. Auth & Insight Reversing order of Authority in Institutions (Phil - Psy - Prac) 1. Auth & Insight People in charge w/ o Insight (in family, state, school, & church) 2. Auth & Insight Principles not Self- Attesting (Tradition, intuition, scriptures) 3. Auth & Insight Reversing order of Authority in a person (Th-Feel- Will) V S Authority based on insight protects and is productive of the good Authority without insight subverts and perverts the good ML 5 CONSEQUENCES

12 ORIGIN: a. We are born human b. Human dignity distinguishes us from animals MORAL LAW 6 Human Dignity & Rationality A. Human dignity - the capacity to understand. We understand by reason. B. Reason in man is natural, not conventional; it is universal - the same in all persons C. Human society is a society of rational beings. Participation requires the use of reason. We are to affirm human dignity. We are to treat others as having the capacity & responsibility for understanding. 7. Human Dignity Final Judgment by God 6. Human Dignity Opposing Capital Punishment 5. Human Dignity Psychology removing accountability Moral Law 6 4. Human Dignity Abortion, Euthanasia, Suicide 1. Human Dignity Force in Murder (~discipline) & War (~reason) 2. Human Dignity Racism (Race placed above Reason) 3. Human Dignity Gender Wars (Men Women)

13 To deny human dignity in another one must first deny it in oneself V S To affirm human dignity in oneself is to affirm it in others ML 6 CONSEQUENCES ORIGIN: a. The origin of our being is from a sexual union of our parents b. Through the nurture of our being, by our parents, the good is achieved A. Sex is a sign and seal of love B. Physical union revels a spiritual union. C. A full union of two persons is monogamous & lasting D. Love, in marriage, seeks the good for and with the other, and for those we bring into being MORAL LAW 7 Sex, Love, Marriage & the Marriage is to achieve the good There is an order for marriage which protects it (7 gates)

14 7. Marriage Disregard the order that protects it (7 Gates) 6. The of Marriage Children as the 5. Sex as natural Union Anything Unnatural Moral Law 7 4. Lasting Marriage Divorce (except adultery or abandonment) (Pro 6:27-29) 1. The for Marriage Putting the Other as the 2. Nature of Persons Separating Sex & Love 3. Full Marriage Polygamy/ Polyandry Ordinary infidelity is rooted in spiritual infidelity V S Marriage for the good increases the good in one s own life and the lives of others, through generations ML 7 CONSEQUENCES

15 ORIGIN: a. We naturally value things. No one values all things alike MORAL LAW 8 Value & Talent A. Value is a function of supply & demand B. Demand is a function of one s view of the good C. Supply is a function of talent D. Talent is ability to achieve some aspect of the good Is in each person Given to each for all Is based on interest and ability Developed by effort by you & others One is to develop one s talent in pursuit of the good in service to others. Failure is taking from others what is of value that belongs to them 7. Developing Talent Unlimited wealth by keeping others in debt 6. Developing Talent Wasteful Spending (SETI) 5. Developing Talent Disincentives for effort (No Pay) Moral Law 8 4. Developing Talent Laws that limit Talent 1. Developing Talent Neglecting by sloth or greed 2. Developing Talent Misuse of Talent for not the 3. Developing Talent Capitalism ( I own) & Communism (We own)

16 The neglect or abuse of talent increases the poverty of life for all V S The use of talent for the good increases the richness of life for all ML 8 CONSEQUENCES ORIGIN: a. We are born equal We are not necessarily born equal in society or in talent, but in human dignity we are born equal b. In justice, equals are to be treated equally MORAL LAW 9 Truth & Justice A. Ultimate justice is ontological. B. Social justice is first distributive, then contractual and finally retributive C. Full social justice is both preventative & corrective D. To have justice, one must know the truth and speak the whole truth We are to seek justice by knowing and speaking the truth.

17 7. Whole Truth Making Private things Public 6. Whole Truth False Advertising 5. Whole Truth Abuse of Freedom of Speech Moral Law 9 4. Whole Truth No Freedom of Speech 1. Whole Truth Ignorance as Excusable (Silent Assertion) 2. Whole Truth Fideism 3. Whole Truth Privacy of Public Affairs A faithful witness brings about justice An unfaithful witness shares in injustice and its consequences V S ML 9 CONSEQUENCES

18 ORIGIN: a. We are born changeable. b. We can change in what we think about good and evil c. Suffering arises when we think we cannot possess what we believe to be the A. The is not virtue nor happiness Happiness is the effect of possessing what we believe is the good. B. Suffering results from evil, moral and natural. C. ME is NARDing inherent Spiritual Death D. NE is Callback imposed not as punishment to STOP & THINK MORAL LAW 10 Suffering & the We are not to be discontent in pursuing our own view of the good, but to be content in pursuing what truly is the good. 7. Seeking True Fatalism (No Hope of change) 6. Seeking True Cynicism (People are just Evil) 5. Seeking True Hedonism (Self indulgence) Moral Law Seeking True Discouragement in hardships 1. Seeking True Envy of others circumstances, abilities & honors 2. Seeking True Stoicism (hardening of oneself) 3. Seeking True Resentment, Complaint & Bitterness

19 To those who do not seek the good, suffering from natural evil is avoided as meaningless V S To those who seek the good, all things are seen as working together for the good. ML 10 CONSEQUENCES Moral Law