how does c.s. lewis connect conscience to a supernatural lawgiver?
How does C.S. Lewis connect conscience to a supernatural lawgiver?
Answer:
C.S. Lewis, in his works, particularly in “Mere Christianity,” presents a compelling argument for the existence of a supernatural lawgiver through the concept of the human conscience. He addresses this concept within the framework of his Moral Argument for the existence of God. Let us delve into the details of how he establishes this connection.
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The Moral Law and Universal Conscience:
- C.S. Lewis starts by observing that humans universally possess a sense of right and wrong, often referred to as the moral law or the law of nature. He argues that this sense of morality is not subjective or solely derived from societal conditioning because it appears to transcend cultural and temporal boundaries. It is what drives humans to feel a duty to do good and a guilt when we do wrong.
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Conscience as Evidence of Moral Law:
- Lewis explains that this moral law is perceived through our conscience, which he describes as an internal guide prompting us towards certain ethical behaviors and deterring us from others. He emphasizes that while people might disagree on the specifics, the basic idea of knowing right from wrong is present in all humans.
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Conscience Implying a Lawgiver:
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Lewis posits that because this moral law implies laws, it must be grounded in something beyond human invention. He compares the moral law to laws of nature, which are governed by specific truths set out by some form of higher order. Just as natural laws point to a rational order in the universe, moral laws hint at a moral order that stems from a moral lawgiver.
\text{Moral Law} \implies \text{Moral Lawgiver}
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Supernatural Source:
- Lewis extends this reasoning to conclude that the source of the moral law has to be beyond human and natural realms, pointing to a supernatural source. The depth, universality, and authoritative nature of the moral compass within humans lead him to argue that this lawgiver is God, who imprinted this sense within us.
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Rejection of alternative explanations:
- Furthermore, Lewis critiques alternative explanations such as social constructs, evolutionary biology, or mere emotional reactions as insufficient to account for the binding force and universality of the moral law. He insists that if morality were just a product of societal constructs, it would lack the absolute authority that our conscience seems to possess.
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Connection to Theism:
- Lewis uses this line of reasoning to bridge the gap between naturalistic explanations of morality and theistic explanations. He firmly states that while moral sense (conscience) doesn’t provide exhaustive knowledge of God, it is a significant indicator of a theistic universe where the moral lawgiver, whom he identifies as God, cares for human behavior and ultimate destiny.
Final Answer:
C.S. Lewis connects conscience to a supernatural lawgiver by arguing that the universal sense of right and wrong, known as the moral law, evidenced by the human conscience, cannot be adequately explained by natural or human sources alone. Instead, he posits that this moral law necessitates a transcendent source, which he identifies as a supernatural lawgiver—God. This argument is a cornerstone of his broader case for theism and the existence of a divine moral order.