Objective morality
Objective Morality — Key Defenses
1. What is Objective Morality?
Moral truths are true for all people at all times, regardless of opinion or culture.
Examples:
Murdering innocents is wrong.
Torturing babies for fun is wrong.
Opposite of subjective morality (morality depends on personal/cultural preference).
2. Why Does Morality Require God?
Moral Law → Moral Lawgiver (Just like laws need lawmakers).
Without God: Morals = just opinions, no grounding to call something truly wrong (e.g., genocide, slavery).
If objective evil exists, then objective good exists, which must come from a transcendent source.
3. Common Objections & Defenses
ObjectionResponse"Morality is evolutionary or cultural"Then morality changes — but we believe some things are always wrong (e.g., Holocaust)."Atheists can be moral"Yes — but they borrow objective moral standards that only make sense if God exists."Different cultures disagree"Disagreement ≠ non-existence (people disagree on math, but math exists)."God commands arbitrary things"God's nature = perfectly good → His commands flow from unchanging goodness.
Quick Quote:
Without God, morality is reduced to preferences. With God, moral duties are grounded in His unchanging nature.
Key Debate Lines (to Memorize)
"If objective moral values exist, God exists — and most people live as if objective morals are real."
"Disagreement about morality does not mean morality is subjective — it means people err, just like in science or logic."
"God doesn’t arbitrarily invent right and wrong — His commands reflect His perfectly good nature."
"Without God, moral claims are just preferences in fancy language."
Pro Tip: Always ask challengers "Is X (e.g., rape, genocide) always wrong, even if a culture approves of it?" — forces them to admit objective morals exist.
Bonus Page: Euthyphro’s Dilemma Defense
What is Euthyphro’s Dilemma?
"Is something good because God commands it? Or does God command it because it is good?"
The Problem:
If God commands it because it’s good → good exists apart from God (God isn’t needed).
If it’s good because God commands it → morality is arbitrary (God could command evil).
The Christian Response
False dilemma — third option: "God commands what is good because His nature IS good."
Morality is rooted in God’s eternal, unchanging, perfectly good nature.
God’s commands = expression of His nature, not external standard or arbitrary whims.
Quick Quote:
Goodness is not outside God or arbitrarily decided — it flows from who He eternally is.
Key Debate Lines (to Memorize)
"The dilemma is false — morality flows from God’s nature, not external rules or random commands."
"God’s nature is the standard of goodness, just like wetness is the nature of water."
"Euthyphro’s Dilemma misunderstands how theists ground morality — in God Himself."
Christian Morality — Common Objections & Clear Responses
1. "Christians Don’t Live Up to Their Morals"
Romans 3:23 — "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Christianity openly acknowledges human failure.
The moral standard exists because humans fall short, not because they perfectly meet it.
2. "Your Views Are Outdated or Oppressive"
Hebrews 13:8 — "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Truth doesn’t expire with time or culture.
If morality reflects God’s character, it stands whether or not it’s popular.
What’s “progressive” today may be “regressive” tomorrow — but God's standard remains constant.
3. "You Think Your Moral View Is the Only Right One"
John 14:6 — “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
Everyone makes exclusive truth claims — even secular viewpoints.
Saying “all moralities are equally valid” is itself an exclusive claim.
The question isn’t whether a view is exclusive — it’s which one is true.
Christianity invites, not forces — and teaches respect, even in disagreement.
4. "I Want to Live How I Want, Not by an Ancient Rulebook"
John 8:32 — “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
True freedom isn’t doing whatever you want — it’s living as you were designed to flourish.
Christian morality = guidance from the Creator on how humans thrive.
Like guardrails on a bridge — they restrict danger but keep you alive.
5. "Christian Morality Is Just Legalistic and Judgmental"
Matthew 22:37-40 — “Love the Lord your God… Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Christian morality starts with love and grace, not rule-keeping.
Rules express love, protect people, and foster flourishing — not superiority or control.
Challenge Question to Ask Back:
“What do you think is the ultimate foundation for human dignity and moral truth? Why should all people be treated equally and justly?”
Objective Morality — Key Argument
Without an objective standard (like God’s nature), morality is just human opinion — and opinions shift.
If human rights and dignity are real and universal, they need a solid foundation beyond human consensus.
Christianity provides that grounding by rooting human worth in being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).