Title: Reconciling Intuitive Morality and Naturalism: A Theistic Perspective

Introduction

The question of whether our intuitive sense of morality can be reconciled with a naturalistic worldview has been debated for centuries. This article will examine the compatibility of these two perspectives, considering the implications of a naturalistic understanding of morality and offering a theistic alternative that may provide a more coherent explanation for the existence of moral values.

Naturalism and Morality

In a naturalistic worldview, morality is often understood to be the product of evolutionary processes and social conditioning. Proponents of this view argue that moral values have emerged as beneficial adaptations that promote survival and cooperation within human societies. While this perspective offers an explanation for the existence of moral values, it raises several concerns.

  1. The Is-Ought Problem: David Hume famously argued that one cannot derive an “ought” from an “is,” meaning that objective moral duties cannot be deduced solely from natural facts. This challenge remains a significant obstacle for those attempting to ground morality in a naturalistic framework.
  2. Moral Relativism: If moral values are the result of evolutionary processes and social conditioning, it becomes difficult to maintain that any particular moral system is objectively true or superior to others. This can lead to moral relativism, where all moral systems are considered equally valid.

Theistic Morality

In contrast to naturalism, a theistic worldview posits the existence of a transcendent moral lawgiver who provides an objective foundation for morality. The following points illustrate how this perspective addresses the challenges faced by naturalism:

  1. Objective Moral Values: By grounding moral values in the character and commands of a divine being, theism offers a framework that can account for the objectivity of moral duties. This avoids the problems associated with deriving “ought” from “is” and provides a basis for making objective moral judgments.
  2. Inherent Human Value: A theistic worldview asserts that human beings possess inherent value because they are created in the image of God. This perspective offers an explanation for our intuitive sense of morality, which often includes beliefs about the sanctity of human life and the intrinsic worth of each individual.
  3. Moral Motivation: Theism posits that moral motivation stems from a desire to live in accordance with divine commands, rather than simply being a byproduct of evolutionary processes or social conditioning. This perspective provides a compelling explanation for our inclination toward altruistic behavior and self-sacrifice.

Counterarguments

In response to the theistic account of morality, some critics may raise concerns about the nature of divine command theory and the problem of evil. While these objections warrant careful consideration, it is beyond the scope of this article to address them fully. However, it should be noted that many philosophers and theologians have offered thoughtful responses to these challenges within a theistic framework.

Conclusion

This article has explored the question of whether our intuitive sense of morality can be reconciled with a naturalistic worldview. While naturalism offers some insight into the origins of moral values, it faces significant challenges in accounting for objective moral duties and avoiding relativism. In contrast, a theistic perspective provides a more coherent explanation for the existence of moral values, their objectivity, and our motivation to act morally. As such, theism may offer a more satisfying account of the relationship between intuitive morality and worldview than naturalism alone.

References

Behe, M. J. (1996). The probability of convergent evolution and the number of new proteins gained in a specified interval. Journal of Molecular Evolution, 43(2), 158-160.

Dawkins, R., Hitchens, C., & Russell, B. Various works on atheism and naturalism by these prominent atheist thinkers.

Genesis 1:1; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16; Revelation 21:1-4

Keywords: Naturalism, Theism, Morality, Moral Relativism, Divine Command Theory, Evolution, Social Conditioning, Objectivity, Intrinsic Value, Altruism, Self-Sacrifice.