Keith Mack
Natural law is a concept that has persisted throughout Christian thought, although in recent times, Protestants have largely ignored it, believing it to be a Roman Catholic domain. Natural law is a method of moral reasoning, an attempt to locate and demonstrate the rational foundation for a particular duty or prohibition. It is a way for Christians to relate to non-Christians, as it provides a moral language that is accessible to all humans, regardless of their religious beliefs. This is because God has embedded a moral order within creation, and as such, every human being has some access to knowledge of the natural law. This shared understanding of morality can serve as a basis for dialogue and engagement with non-Christians, allowing Christians to discuss civil issues and ethical principles from a perspective that is not exclusively religious. However, it is important to note that natural law is not a cure-all, and religious consensus remains crucial for its effectiveness as a political philosophy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Natural law is a method of moral reasoning | Natural law is not an abstract concept but is grounded in the character of God as the Good |
| Natural law is a universal and immutable law applicable to all humans | Natural law is not capable of saving sinners; special grace is required |
| Natural law is a basic moral principle woven by God into the fabric of creation | Natural law is not grounded in a neutral notion of 'nature' |
| Natural law provides tools for humans to live well | Natural law is not an invisible textbook in the sky |
| Natural law is the remnant morality that endures because of God's common grace | Natural law is not animal instinct or survival of the fittest |
| Natural law is the sharing in the eternal law by the rational creature | Natural law is not a set of positive do's and don'ts |
| Natural law is the backdrop to the gospel | Natural law is the rational foundation for a particular duty or prohibition |
| Natural law is an essential pillar in a Christian ethic | Natural law is not in conflict with Scripture |
| Natural law allows Christians to communicate with non-Christians | Natural law is not a naive optimism about the moral reasoning of non-Christians |
| Natural law is a crucial part of Christian theology | Natural law is not a utopia but has an important preservative function in God's providential government |
| Natural law gives Christians moral language to relate to non-Christians | Natural law is not dependent on a common morality |
| Natural law gives Christians confidence to affirm what is right | Natural law is not counter-productive to citing Scripture in political debates |
| Natural law allows Christians to think creatively when engaging with non-Christians on civil issues | Natural law is not dependent on a particular person or culture's moral direction |
| Natural law is a complement to special revelation | Natural law is not a substitute for mentioning Jesus or Scripture |
| Natural law is a means to interpret nature rightly | Natural law is not a rejection of God or foundational precepts for social order |
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What You'll Learn
Natural law is a method of moral reasoning
Natural law is not based on an abstract concept or a neutral notion of 'nature'. Instead, it is grounded in the concrete character of God as the Good. God, as the Triune Creator, infused creation with laws derived from his own eternal law. As such, natural law is a set of basic moral principles woven by God into the fabric of creation.
Natural law is not a list of do's and don'ts, but rather an attempt to locate and demonstrate the rational foundation for a particular duty or prohibition. It is a way to ground ethics in a universal and immutable law that is applicable to all humans in all periods of history. All humans have access to this moral law, and it is this shared understanding that gives Christians a way to relate to non-Christians.
For example, in contemporary Western society, the transgender issue has prompted objections from some non-Christians, who recognise that it is impossible to live against our embodiment as male and female without certain problems arising. This recognition of a natural law principle gives Christians a way to engage with non-Christians on this topic, even if the language of Scripture is not used.
However, it is important to note that natural law is not a replacement for Scripture or its authority. While it can be a useful tool for dialogue with non-Christians, it should not be used to the exclusion of mentioning Jesus, Scripture, or its authority.
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Natural law is not animal instinct
Natural law is often misunderstood as being synonymous with animal instinct or the laws of physics. However, this is not the case. Natural law, in the context of Christian thought, refers to the basic moral principles that God has woven into the fabric of creation. It is grounded in the concrete character of God as the ultimate good and is derived from His eternal law.
While animals and humans may share some similarities in their natural instincts, such as the need for nourishment, preservation, and procreation, the natural law that humans follow involves rational discernment and moral reasoning. This is a key distinction between natural law and animal instinct. Humans have the ability to make conscious choices and decisions, applying reason and moral principles to their actions.
For example, consider the act of helping an old lady across the road. If done solely to impress someone, the exterior act may seem good, but the interior motive is selfish and wrong. This distinction between exterior acts and interior motives is a critical aspect of natural law, highlighting the importance of both doing the right thing and having the right intention.
Additionally, natural law is not merely about survival of the fittest or a contest of appetite and might. Instead, it is about seeking the good and avoiding evil, as outlined in the Ten Commandments and summarized by Jesus as loving God and loving our neighbors. This involves aligning our actions and motives with the cardinal virtues, such as justice, prudence, fortitude, and temperance, which are acquired through reason applied to human nature.
In summary, natural law is not animal instinct. It is a philosophical and legal theory that asserts the existence of inherent laws and universal moral principles derived from nature, which humans can discover through reason and apply in their daily lives. By following natural law, humans can live well, please God, and function effectively in their respective spheres of existence.
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Natural law is not abstract
As Aquinas put it, the natural law is "the sharing in the eternal law by the rational creature." It is by this natural law that God governs all of his creation—including humans, animals, non-animal life, and inanimate objects. God created human beings in his image, with rational souls, giving them intellects that know and understand natural law. As such, natural law is a universal and immutable law that is applicable to all humans in all periods of history.
The content of natural law can be most basically explained as "seek the good and avoid evil." Christian authors have argued that this implies the moral content of the Ten Commandments, which teach our duties toward God and our fellow humans. Natural law, therefore, provides a moral language that Christians can use to relate to non-Christians, who may still have some awareness of a moral law and the existence of a moral grain to the universe.
For example, in contemporary Western society, there is a controversy around the transgender issue. Some non-Christians are beginning to raise objections to the transgender movement because they recognize that living against our embodiment as male and female can lead to certain problems. Here, natural law provides a basis for Christians to engage with non-Christians on civil issues without solely relying on appeals to biblical verses, which can sometimes be counter-productive.
However, it is important to note that natural law is not a replacement for biblical law or a means to save sinners. While it can provide a common ground for dialogue, it is not a panacea for societal issues. Sin has impacted both reason and will, and while non-Christians may have some access to the moral law, they may not desire to follow it. Ultimately, special grace is required for salvation, and Christians must find a balance between natural law and biblical law in their interactions with non-Christians.
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Natural law is embedded in creation
Natural law is a concept that has persisted throughout Christian history, although in the last century, Protestants have largely ignored it, believing it to be a Roman Catholic domain. However, natural law is still relevant and useful for Christians in dialogue with non-Christians.
Firstly, natural law is embedded in creation by God, meaning that every human being, as a part of creation, has some access to knowledge of it. This provides a common ground for Christians and non-Christians to discuss moral issues. For example, in the debate around the transgender movement, some non-Christians may object based on principles of natural law, such as the importance of living in accordance with one's embodiment as male or female.
Secondly, natural law is a method of moral reasoning that seeks to locate and demonstrate the rational foundation for a particular duty or prohibition, rather than simply being a set of rules. This means that it can be a useful tool for engaging with non-Christians, who may not accept biblical law but can still understand and respect the reasoning behind certain moral arguments.
Thirdly, natural law is grounded in the concrete character of God as the Good, and it is by this law that God governs all of His creation, including humans, animals, and inanimate objects. This means that natural law applies to all humans, regardless of their religious beliefs, and can be a way to communicate universal truths. For example, St. Paul teaches that all human beings know God's law, even if they may not be conscious of all its precepts, and they recognize it in their conscience.
Finally, natural law can provide a basis for political laws that carry the force of God's standard when they accurately reflect nature. This means that Christians can engage with non-Christians in discussions about civil issues and political debates by appealing to natural law rather than solely citing Scripture, which may be counter-productive. For example, in discussions about abortion, appealing to natural law can show that being pro-life is not just a Christian position but a moral one based on the rational foundation of the value of human life.
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Natural law is a pillar of Christian ethics
According to Aquinas, natural law is "the sharing in the eternal law by the rational creature." It is the belief that God, as the Triune Creator, infused his creation with laws derived from his own eternal law. This law is not an abstract concept but is grounded in the concrete character of God as the Good. The natural law is, therefore, a reflection of God's standard for his creation, with the ultimate end being the common good of all. As such, it is not just a set of rules but a method of moral reasoning, seeking to locate and demonstrate the rational foundation for duties and prohibitions.
The Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments, contains numerous references to nature and natural law. For example, in Jeremiah 8:7, Israel is rebuked for failing to live in accordance with God's rule, as even the birds follow their natural seasons. Jesus himself, in Matthew 6:25-26, instructs his followers not to worry about basic needs, pointing to how God cares for nature. These biblical references align with the concept of natural law, demonstrating its importance in Christian ethics.
Natural law is also significant because it provides a basis for communication and dialogue with non-Christians. By recognising the natural law, we can discuss the criteria of God's righteous judgment and the standards of morality that society must uphold. As Carl F. H. Henry suggests, rejecting natural law means rejecting not only God but also the precepts necessary for a stable social order. Therefore, natural law becomes a common ground for dialogue, allowing Christians to communicate their ethics and values to those outside the faith.
In conclusion, natural law is indeed a pillar of Christian ethics, offering a universal and immutable moral framework applicable to all humans. It is a concept that has guided Christian thought throughout history, providing a basis for ethical practices and social order. By understanding and appreciating natural law, Christians can more effectively engage in dialogue with non-Christians, sharing the gospel and God's righteous standards with the world.
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Frequently asked questions
Natural law is a method of moral reasoning that is grounded in the concrete character of God as the Good. It is assumed to be something like animal instinct, but in older Christian thought, it refers to basic moral principles woven by God into the fabric of creation.
Natural law gives Christians a moral language to relate to non-Christians. It provides a common ground for discussion, as all humans have access to some knowledge of the natural law, which is embedded in creation. This knowledge is not dependent on religious consensus and can be a useful tool for engagement with the 'secular' sphere.
Natural law is not a foolproof method for engaging with non-Christians. It assumes a prior religious agreement and can become useless if this consensus is lost. Additionally, while non-Christians may have knowledge of the natural law, they may not desire to follow it due to the impact of sin on their will and reason.
Natural law and biblical law are distinct concepts. Natural law is perceived as a ''non-religious' paradigm, while biblical law is rooted in Christian theology. Natural law can be a useful tool for Christians to engage with non-Christians, but it should not be used to the exclusion of mentioning Jesus or the authority of Scripture.
