Overcoming Protestant Fears of Natural Law: Prof. Andrew Walker
Jul 19, 2024
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Prof. Andrew Walker, a Christian ethics expert and author, discusses his book, 'Faithful Reason.' He tackles the challenges Protestants face with natural law, advocating for its importance in moral thought. Walker highlights the need for Christians to confidently participate in public debates by understanding shared moral principles. He also explores the connection between natural rights and marriage, addressing societal shifts in these areas. The conversation emphasizes thoughtful philosophical engagement to navigate contemporary ethical discussions.
Professor Andrew Walker argues that natural law, often misconceived as solely a Catholic concept, holds rational and ethical significance accessible to evangelicals for engaging in public discourse.
The podcast highlights the need to reaffirm traditional natural law ideals concerning marriage, emphasizing its role in promoting societal stability and the common good.
Deep dives
Understanding Natural Law from an Evangelical Perspective
Natural law is often perceived as a concept exclusive to Catholicism, but its rational and ethical framework is also accessible to non-Catholics, especially evangelicals. Professor Andrew Walker's book, 'Faithful Reason', argues that the ethical principles derived from the Bible correspond to philosophical truths that everyone can recognize, regardless of their theological beliefs. This approach encourages evangelicals to engage confidently in public discourse, as moral truths are grounded in reason and not solely tied to specific scriptural references. The emphasis is placed on the idea that there exists one moral order from which all people, Christians and non-Christians alike, can draw insights.
The Connection Between Natural Law and Public Ethics
The podcast discusses the relevance of natural law in everyday decision-making and social interactions, highlighting its inherent presence in societal norms. For instance, obeying traffic laws symbolizes the application of natural law principles, where the moral underpinning dictates that endangering innocent lives is inherently wrong. The discussion emphasizes that natural law serves as a common ground for moral reasoning among diverse populations, allowing Christians to identify ethical foundations shared with non-Christians. This alignment helps frame discussions in the public square, enabling more coherent dialogues about moral issues.
Natural Law's Applicability to Modern Legal and Social Issues
Walker addresses the application of natural law principles to contemporary social issues, particularly concerning marriage and parenting. He presents arguments underscoring the societal decline correlated with shifts away from traditional natural law ideals regarding marriage, maintaining that a stable marriage structure is crucial for the common good. By drawing attention to the deterioration of marriage norms, he highlights the urgent need to reaffirm and advocate for these long-standing ethical frameworks. The discussion suggests that promoting a return to these principles can enhance societal health and foster better environments for future generations.
Embracing Natural Law in Contemporary Discourse
The podcast touches on the emerging cultural landscape where secular voices increasingly recognize the significance of natural law principles, despite their non-Christian affiliations. Individuals like Joe Rogan and Jordan Peterson are mentioned as they express concerns about contemporary ethical trends, suggesting a growing acknowledgment of shared moral sentiments beyond traditional religious confines. Walker believes that this acknowledgment could provide a foundation for broader discussions on morality, bridging gaps between various worldviews. The overarching message is that natural law is not just a theological concept but a critical framework for understanding human behavior and ethics in a shared society.
Host Garrett Snedeker and JWI intern Isaac Michael speak with Prof. Andrew Walker of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary about his new book Faithful Reason: Natural Law Ethics for God’s Glory and Our Good. Professor Walker discusses his intended audience for the book, its main ideas, and his hopes for a revival of the Natural Law in American legal discussions. He also touches upon common difficulties many Protestants have with the Natural Law and makes the case for the authority of the Natural Law in Protestant moral thought. He ultimately presents a Christ-centered case for Natural Law reasoning which he sees as essential to any coherent account of a natural moral order.
Dr. Walker serves as Associate Dean in the School of Theology, and Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Public Theology. He is also the Director of the Carl F. H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement. Additionally, he is a fellow in Christian Political Thought at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and serves as the Managing Editor of WORLD Opinions. Walker joined the faculty of Southern Seminary in 2019. His previous appointment was Senior Fellow in Christian Ethics at the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. He is married to Christian, and they have three children. He is a member of Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
Purchase Faithful Reason here.