Divine Command Theory

Updated 18 Sep 2026

•
What it is
- •
  a family of views grounding moral obligations in divine commands
•
My objection
- •
  “God commands it” does not answer why an action is justified to the person affected.
- •
  Declaring the source perfect can prevent suffering from counting as evidence against a rule.
•
Connection to Power
- •
  A leader claiming divine authorization can make disagreement with their decisions count as disobedience to God.
•
Why it matters
- •
  The source of authority affects which criticisms a moral system will admit.
- •
  Punishment and reward still need an explanation of their purpose and proportionality.
•
Related
- •
  Scriptural Inerracy
- •
  Secular Humanism

Linked references 3