Moral Apologetics

Lesson Title: Moral Apologetics: Arguments for the Existence of Objective Moral Values and Duties Based on the Existence of God

Level of Education: Doctoral Degree

Purpose

To explore and analyze arguments for the existence of objective moral values and duties, grounding them in the existence of God, and to develop skills for defending these arguments in apologetic discourse.

Objectives

1. To understand the concept of moral apologetics.
2. To examine key arguments for the existence of objective moral values and duties.
3. To analyze the role of God in grounding moral values and duties.
4. To develop strategies for defending moral arguments in discussions and debates.

Concepts, Terms, and Keywords

1. Moral Apologetics: An approach to apologetics that argues for the existence of objective moral values and duties based on the existence of God.
2. Objective Moral Values: Moral values that are true and binding independently of human opinion.
3. Moral Duties: Obligations or responsibilities that arise from moral values.
4. Moral Argument: An argument that asserts the existence of objective moral values and duties, which are best explained by the existence of God.
5. Divine Command Theory: The view that moral values and duties are grounded in the commands of God.

Lesson Content

Introduction to Moral Apologetics

• Definition and significance of moral apologetics.
• Historical development and key proponents, including Immanuel Kant, C.S. Lewis, and William Lane Craig.
• Bible Verses: Romans 2:14-15, Micah 6:8.

Arguments for the Existence of Objective Moral Values and Duties

• Explanation of the moral argument for the existence of God.
• Bible Verses: Romans 1:20, Isaiah 5:20.
• Key components of the moral argument:
  • If God does not exist, objective moral values and duties do not exist.
  • Objective moral values and duties do exist.
  • Therefore, God exists.
• Bible Verses: Psalm 19:7-11, Proverbs 14:12.

Analysis of Moral Values and Duties

• Examination of the nature of moral values and their grounding in the character of God.
• Bible Verses: Exodus 34:6-7, 1 John 4:8.
• Analysis of moral duties and their connection to divine commands.
• Bible Verses: Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37-40.
• Critiques of secular attempts to ground moral values and duties.
• Bible Verses: Psalm 14:1, Romans 1:21-23.

Defending the Moral Argument

• Strategies for presenting the moral argument in discussions and debates.
• Bible Verses: 1 Peter 3:15, Colossians 4:5-6.
• Addressing common objections to the moral argument.
  • The Euthyphro Dilemma: Is something good because God commands it, or does God command it because it is good?
  • Bible Verses: James 1:17, Isaiah 55:8-9.
• Practical application: Using the moral argument in evangelism and apologetics.

Exam Questions

1. Define moral apologetics and explain its significance.
   • Answer: Moral apologetics argues for the existence of objective moral values and duties based on the existence of God. It is significant because it provides a strong foundation for the moral law, demonstrating that without God, objective morality is untenable. (Romans 2:14-15)
2. What are objective moral values and duties?
   • Answer: Objective moral values are moral principles that are true and binding regardless of human opinion. Moral duties are obligations that arise from these values, requiring specific actions or behaviors. (Psalm 19:7-11)
3. Explain the moral argument for the existence of God.
   • Answer: The moral argument asserts that if God does not exist, objective moral values and duties do not exist. Since objective moral values and duties do exist, it follows that God exists. (Romans 1:20)
4. How are moral values grounded in the character of God?
   • Answer: Moral values are grounded in the character of God because God’s nature is the standard of goodness. His attributes, such as love, justice, and holiness, define what is morally right and wrong. (1 John 4:8)
5. What is the Divine Command Theory, and how does it relate to moral duties?
   • Answer: The Divine Command Theory holds that moral duties are grounded in the commands of God. Actions are morally obligatory, permissible, or forbidden based on God’s commands. (Deuteronomy 6:5)
6. Discuss a common objection to the moral argument and provide a response.
   • Answer: A common objection is the Euthyphro Dilemma, which questions whether something is good because God commands it or if God commands it because it is good. A response is that moral goodness is grounded in God’s unchanging nature, making His commands inherently good. (James 1:17)
7. How do secular attempts to ground moral values and duties fall short?
   • Answer: Secular attempts to ground moral values and duties fall short because they often rely on subjective human opinions, societal conventions, or evolutionary processes, which cannot provide a stable and objective foundation for morality. (Psalm 14:1)
8. Why is it important for Christians to defend the existence of objective moral values and duties?
   • Answer: It is important because defending objective moral values and duties underscores the necessity of God for a coherent moral framework, strengthens the Christian witness, and challenges the relativistic views prevalent in society. (1 Peter 3:15)
9. How can the moral argument be used in evangelism?
   • Answer: The moral argument can be used in evangelism by showing that the existence of objective moral values and duties points to the reality of God, helping individuals recognize their moral responsibility and need for redemption through Jesus Christ. (Colossians 4:5-6)
10. What role do biblical teachings play in supporting the moral argument?
    • Answer: Biblical teachings provide the foundation for the moral argument by revealing God’s nature as the source of moral values and His commands as the basis for moral duties, demonstrating that objective morality is grounded in the divine. (Exodus 34:6-7)

Practical Applications (Bible-based)

• Use the moral argument to address moral relativism in conversations and teachings.
• Develop resources and presentations that highlight the necessity of God for grounding objective moral values and duties.
• Engage in public discussions and debates to defend the existence of objective morality from a Christian perspective.

Research Citations in MLA Format

1. Craig, William Lane, and J.P. Moreland. Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview. IVP Academic, 2003. (Available in eBook format)
2. Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. (Available in eBook format)
3. Adams, Robert Merrihew. Finite and Infinite Goods: A Framework for Ethics. Oxford University Press, 1999. (Available in eBook format)
4. Copan, Paul. The Moral Argument: A History. Oxford University Press, 2021. (Available in eBook format)
5. Baggett, David, and Jerry L. Walls. Good God: The Theistic Foundations of Morality. Oxford University Press, 2011. (Available in eBook format)

This lesson provides a comprehensive study of moral apologetics, focusing on arguments for the existence of objective moral values and duties based on the existence of God, and emphasizes the application of these arguments in contemporary apologetic discourse, all centered around the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.