The Theory of Natural Law

Each religion, theory or worldview has strengths and weaknesses. The way these strengths and weaknesses are viewed depend on what we feel is best for our own well being. The theory of Natural Law is something that is almost extinct with mainly the Catholic Church believing in it. I will discuss three reasons why this theory has been rejected by many others.

The first reason why is because of the idea that “what’s natural is good.” This is something that can easily be countered since we do not find that disease is something that is good, it is arguably bad. This can also prove to be true since when we put pesticides on fruits and vegetable to make them grow faster, they have an alarming effect on our own body. This shows that having the natural fruits and vegetables are good, and anything other than that can be bad.

The second reason is the confusion between “is” and “ought.” This is a common discretion in many aspects of Philosophy. “Is” can be used in many dialects and it is easily understandable. The word “ought” has many definitions and is usually used in a negative aspect. “Ought” is seen more a value, whereas “is” is seen more as a fact.

The third reason addresses the question of moral knowledge. Moral knowledge is something that is usually taught from generation to generation then changes as the person is able to make up their own ideas on their lifestyle. With this meaning it shows that the believer has no special access to moral truth. This is arguably the same reason why it is usually not a theory that is believable. Many believe that religious beliefs should not be the reason why people believe what is right and what is wrong.

This theory is attractive to myself and others because it poses a different stance on why things are the way they are. It proves that everything does happen for a reason. We have a fate but sometimes that path is not always followed. The natural law theory gives a reason for why we should follow what we feel is right. Everything has its own purpose and it does not need to be specified at that given time.

The Theory of Natural Law fits well with the Biblical Baptist worldview because, for the naturalist, the world has a rational order, with values and purposes built into its nature. The main topic I will be focusing on the ideology that everything has its own purpose. I will be using the Bible, and the Elements of Moral Philosophy as a guide to help prove why this is correct in many aspects of life.

In the Christian, Biblical Baptist, worldview people are placed onto Earth so they can worship God. With these same values instilled in them the purpose is to live a good life so they can in turn go to Heaven, after death, to be with this same God. By using the four questions from Aristotle we can prove this.

1. What is it? People

2. What is it made of? Flesh and bones

3. How did it become to exist? God created all people

4. What is it made for? To worship God and live a good life following his rules.

The separation between the church and the state in this instance is redundant. Many of the rules listed on the Ten Commandments are also listed in many of our Constitutional laws. Morality and religion are almost inseparable. We commonly gain our moral thinking from the teachings of our parents and/or guardians and the teachings of the Bible. We want to believe that God created a loving and peaceful environment for us. We are human and we make mistakes. Some people become corrupted and do not stick to their morals and therefore we must double think everything going on.