Stop Abandoning the Moral Argument (Do This Instead)
Feb 1, 2025
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The podcast dives into the significance of the moral argument for God's existence, challenging the trend of neglecting it. Gavin Ortlund discusses its historical relevance and explores its emotional complexity. Listeners are invited to reflect on morality's deep roots in transcendent principles, even within a secular worldview. Engaging examples, including references to C.S. Lewis, illustrate the intricate interplay of love and justice. The conversation not only defends the moral argument but also offers strategies for effectively presenting it in discussions about faith.
The enduring historical significance of the moral argument underscores its necessity within both faith traditions and philosophical discourse.
Adopting a multifaceted approach that emphasizes moral transformation and hope can effectively engage audiences in moral argumentation.
Deep dives
Heritage of Moral Arguments
The deep-rooted intuition that morality points to a divine source is significant in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Notable figures like C.S. Lewis have illustrated this idea prominently, as seen in his work 'Mere Christianity,' where a substantial portion serves as a moral argument for God's existence. Historical proponents, such as Athenagoras, emphasized that without divine judgment, moral distinctions become meaningless. Additionally, biblical references, like Paul's assertion in Romans, suggest that everyone carries a moral conscience relevant to divine accountability, underscoring the enduring relevance of moral arguments in faith heritage.
Contemporary Philosophical Engagement
Despite claims that philosophical discourse has moved past moral arguments, many respected philosophers continue to defend and engage with them. Figures like Robert Adams, Alvin Plantinga, and William Lane Craig contribute meaningful critiques and advancements to the discourse surrounding morality and God. These discussions lack condescension from notable skeptics, who often acknowledge the weight of moral arguments, highlighting their necessity for meaningful philosophical inquiry. The ongoing engagement suggests that moral arguments still hold relevance within academic circles, inviting further examination rather than outright dismissal.
Strategies for Deploying Moral Arguments
To effectively present moral arguments, it is essential to adopt a multifaceted approach that goes beyond mere moral objectivity. Emphasizing the full spectrum of moral experiences—such as moral transformation and hope—can resonate more deeply with audiences. Creative descriptions of morality, drawing from visceral human intuitions, can enhance engagement with the argument's significance. By presenting abductive moral arguments, which posit God as the most satisfactory explanation for moral realities, it allows for a less confrontational dialogue that respects differing viewpoints while advancing the conversation.
Moral Hope and Narrative Influence
The notion of moral hope plays a crucial role in discussions about morality, particularly in a world where despair often prevails. The gospel's promise that good will ultimately triumph over evil offers a profound, uplifting message, appealing to the human desire for justice and resolution. Many secular individuals maintain an intuitive sense that love and justice hold transcendent significance, though their frameworks might struggle to accommodate it. By using cultural narratives, such as those found in films or literature, the argument for moral hope can be framed in a relatable context that reinforces the idea of a benevolent outcome against adversity.
The moral argument for God's existence has become less popular in some circles. Here Gavin Ortlund shares two reasons why Christians should hesitate before abandoning this argument, and three strategies for how to rehabilitate this argument.
Truth Unites exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth.
Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.