

165. Introduction to Natural Law — David VanDrunen
13 snips May 8, 2024
David VanDrunen, the Robert B. Strimple Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics at Westminster Seminary California, discusses the relevance of natural law in today’s world. He examines its historical roots in Protestant thought and emphasizes the need for renewed scholarly focus. Delving into human corruption, he reflects on the interplay of divine grace and moral understanding. The conversation also highlights how natural law can enhance personal well-being while fostering mutual respect across different beliefs, along with the impact of family structure on child development.
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Natural Law's Biblical Roots
- Natural law is deeply biblical and pervasive throughout Scripture, not just a philosophical concept.
- This bolsters confidence among Protestants that natural law complements, rather than contradicts, Scripture.
Philosophical Shifts Affect Natural Law
- The decline from pre-modern to postmodern thought erased confidence in objective truth.
- Postmodernism's denial of universal reason complicates civil discourse and understanding natural law.
Natural Law Like Golf Intuition
- David VanDrunen compares natural law understanding to a golfer's intuitive play.
- Wisdom to live rightly develops over time through experience, not just intellectual rules.