The Universal Echo of Morality: Evidence for a Moral Lawgiver

Do you ever wonder where our sense of right and wrong comes from?

Who is whispering in your ear?

Mere Christianity - CS Lewis

In the bustling marketplace of human interaction, from the boardrooms of Wall Street to the quiet streets of small-town America, there's an unspoken rulebook we all seem to reference. Whether it's in the heat of an argument or the calm of a moral dilemma, we often hear echoes of a universal moral law. This isn't just about cultural norms or societal expectations; it's something deeper, something intrinsic. C.S. Lewis, in his seminal work "Mere Christianity," explores this very notion in his chapter titled "The Law of Human Nature."

Lewis begins by observing how, across cultures and time, humans universally recognize a moral standard. When we argue about what's fair or just, we're not just sharing opinions; we're appealing to a common, almost innate, understanding of morality. This isn't about preference but about what ought to be, suggesting there's a moral code embedded within us all.

But here's where it gets interesting - and challenging. Despite this universal moral law, humans often fail to live up to it. We stray, we justify, we feel the pang of guilt. This deviation from what we intuitively know to be right isn't random; it points to a law that transcends our personal desires. Lewis makes a compelling argument here: if there's a law, there must be a lawgiver.

He contrasts this moral law with natural laws like gravity. While gravity dictates what does happen, the moral law speaks to what should happen, indicating an intention, a purpose, perhaps even a divine will. This distinction isn't just academic; it's profoundly personal. The guilt we feel when we breach this moral code, the sense of something greater judging our actions, isn't just societal conditioning. It hints at something, or someone, beyond ourselves.

Lewis's reasoning leads to a profound conclusion: if there's a moral law, it must have originated from a moral lawgiver, paving the way for the concept of God. This isn't a leap of faith but a logical progression from observing human behavior and moral consciousness.

The Innate Moral Compass

The Bible, in Romans 2:14-15, elucidates this concept, stating that even those without the written law, the Gentiles, possess a law unto themselves, their consciences bearing witness to the requirements of the law inscribed within. This passage supports the idea that morality is not just learned but is part of our intrinsic nature, hinting at a divine origin.

The Divine Lawgiver

Scripture further identifies this Lawgiver. James 4:12 refers to "one Lawgiver and Judge," capable of salvation and destruction, emphasizing the singularity and authority of this divine figure. Isaiah 33:22 echoes this, proclaiming the Lord as our judge, lawgiver, and king, directly linking morality to divine authority.

The Perfection of the Moral Law

Psalm 19:7-8 describes the Lord's law as perfect, trustworthy, and right, attributes that suggest a higher, unchangeable standard of morality. This perfection implies that morality is not merely a societal agreement but a divine principle meant for our guidance and joy.

The Enduring Nature of Moral Law

Jesus, in Matthew 5:17-18, affirms the enduring nature of the Law, not to abolish but to fulfill it, indicating that the moral principles laid down are eternal, not subject to the whims of human culture or time.

In Conclusion

The echoes of morality we hear in our daily lives, the internal compass we all possess, aren't just accidents of evolution or societal constructs. They point to a divine origin, a Lawgiver who has written His law on our hearts. As we navigate the complexities of life, this understanding can guide us, offering not just rules but a relationship with the One who set these standards.

Next Steps

• Reflect and Share: How do you see this moral law at play in your life or community? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

• Daily Practice: Today, when faced with a moral decision, pause and ask yourself, "What does my inner moral compass suggest?" Try to align your actions with this sense of right and wrong, acknowledging it as a part of your human experience given by a divine Lawgiver.

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

You are the Lawgiver who has inscribed Your law upon our hearts. Help us to hear the echo of Your morality in our daily lives, guiding our actions, shaping our thoughts, and leading us to live in accordance with Your divine will. Forgive us when we fall short, and strengthen us to strive towards the goodness You've shown us. Let our lives be a testament to Your moral law, reflecting Your love and justice in all we do. Amen.

References

• Lewis, C.S. (1952). Mere Christianity. Macmillan. Chapter 1: The Law of Human Nature.

• Isaiah 33:22 - "For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us."

• Psalm 19:7-8 - "The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes."

• Romans 2:14-15 - "Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them."

• James 4:12 - "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?"

• Matthew 5:17-18 - "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. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."