ETHICSANDELIGION1.docx

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THE NATURAL LAW THEORY

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According to the natural law theory, humans have intrinsic values that dictate their behavior and activities[footnoteRef:1]. The rules of right and wrong are inherent in individuals and not created by societal norms or rules created by judges. Therefore, if an individual were to judge activities from the perspective of the natural law theory, it would mean one would have to look at the scenario from the perspective of the individual understanding what is right or wrong and to act upon their personal knowledge, for example, the issue of abortion. The issue of abortion has brought about a lot of heated debates, with people arguing from different perspectives. For example, some Christians argue along the lines of Christian ethics and doctrine saying abortion is a crime since it involves taking away innocent lives[footnoteRef:2]. And according to Christianity, only God has the power to give or take life[footnoteRef:3]. The book of Deuteronomy clearly outlines this[footnoteRef:4]. [1: John Danaher. In defense of the epistemological objection to divine command theory. (Sophia 58, no. 3 2019), 381-400
] [2: Stettner, Shannon, and Bruce Douville. ““In the Image and Likeness of God”: Christianity and Public Opinion on Abortion in The Globe and Mail during the 1960s.” (Journal of Canadian Studies 50, no. 1 2016): 179-213.
] [3: Stettner, Shannon, and Bruce Douville, 184-187] [4: Deuteronomy 32:39 [Revised Standard Version]]

On the other hand, some feminists argue that abortion is more about autonomy. Being in control of one’s life. Different points are being given out, and there is no absolute one that can be said to be correct or wrong. However, when looking at abortion from the perspective of natural law theory, it might be classified as either being right or wrong depending on circumstances. For example, considering a raped female who got pregnant out of rape and did not wish to keep the child, will it be right or wrong to keep the baby? For any Christian, the answer would be very simple, and she should keep the baby and give it out for adoption if she is not interested in the baby. However, according to natural law theory, whether it is right or wrong for the female to keep the child highly dependent on the individual. The female has the freedom to either keep or lose the baby. The natural law theory is more of a freedom theory. The natural law ethical theory does not tie down an individual to one option compared to most Christian ethics. The natural law theory gives individuals freedom of choice, and it can also be referred to as the freedom theory. With natural law theory, there is freedom of choice[footnoteRef:5]. An individual might argue that with freedom comes havoc. If everyone were to act in the manner which they deem right or wrong, there would be a lot of confusion as everyone has different views and opinions, no one is equal, everyone has different thoughts. Everyone is different, we live in a world full of diversity, and this diversity is what has brought about innovation and renovation in a number of items and activities. Furthermore, the differences in individuals are what make the natural law theory even more applicable. It enables people to embrace their differences and to live with each other in peace and harmony. There is no absolute correct theory on how to approach matters. However, the natural law theory grants a pathway to look at things from a broader perspective. [5: Danaher, 388-389]

Bibliography

John Danaher. In defense of the epistemological objection to divine command theory. (Sophia 58, no. 3 2019), 381-400

Stettner, Shannon, and Bruce Douville. “”In the Image and Likeness of God”: Christianity and Public Opinion on Abortion in The Globe and Mail during the 1960s.” (Journal of Canadian Studies 50, no. 1 2016): 179-213.

Deuteronomy 32:39 [Revised Standard Version]