What is Natural Law?

Natural Law is a philosophical and theological concept that suggests there is a universal moral order inherent in nature, accessible to human reason, and reflective of the divine will. According to this view, certain moral principles are innate in all human beings and can be discerned through the use of reason, independent of divine revelation. Natural Law serves as the foundation for ethics, justice, and the moral governance of human behavior, and it has been a significant influence in Christian theology, particularly in the development of moral and social doctrines.

Biblical Foundations

Scriptural Basis for Natural Law

While the term “Natural Law” does not appear in the Bible, the concept is deeply rooted in Scripture, particularly in the idea that God’s moral law is written on the hearts of all people and that creation itself reveals God’s moral order.

• Romans 2:14-15 (NIV):
  

  “(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.)”

  This passage from Paul’s letter to the Romans is often cited as a biblical basis for Natural Law, suggesting that even those who do not have the revealed law (the Mosaic Law) have an innate understanding of right and wrong.

• Psalm 19:1-4 (NIV):
  

  “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”

  This psalm reflects the belief that creation itself reveals God’s nature and will, which is a foundational idea in Natural Law theory—the notion that the created order reflects a moral order.

• Acts 17:26-27 (NIV):
  

  “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.”

  Paul’s address to the Athenians suggests that God’s presence and moral will are accessible to all people through the natural world and through reason.

Theological Interpretations

Natural Law has been a central concept in Christian theology, particularly in the writings of early Church Fathers and medieval theologians who sought to reconcile Greek philosophy with Christian doctrine.

• Moral Order and Creation: The idea that God’s moral law is inherent in creation and can be discerned by reason is consistent with the biblical view that creation reveals God’s character and will.
  • Genesis 1:31 (NIV):
    

    “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.”

    This verse underscores the inherent goodness of creation, which reflects God’s moral order.

• Human Conscience and Law: The concept of conscience in the New Testament aligns with the idea of Natural Law, where the human conscience acts as a witness to the moral law written on the heart.
  • 1 Timothy 1:5 (NIV):
    

    “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”

    The role of conscience in moral decision-making is central to Natural Law theory.

Historical Development and Key Figures

Early Church and Patristic Views

The concept of Natural Law was influenced by both biblical teachings and Greek philosophy, particularly the works of Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics, which were integrated into Christian thought by early Church Fathers.

• Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD): Augustine played a key role in developing the Christian understanding of Natural Law. He believed that God’s eternal law was reflected in the natural order and that human beings, through reason, could discern this moral order.
  • Augustine, City of God: Augustine argued that Natural Law is part of God’s eternal law and is accessible to all people through reason and conscience.
• Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274 AD): Aquinas is perhaps the most influential theologian in the development of Natural Law theory. In his Summa Theologica, Aquinas articulated a comprehensive view of Natural Law, arguing that it is rooted in the nature of human beings as rational creatures created by God.
  • Aquinas’ Definition of Natural Law: Aquinas defined Natural Law as “the rational creature’s participation in the eternal law.” He believed that Natural Law provides the foundation for moral behavior and human laws.
  • Summa Theologica: In this work, Aquinas systematically explains how Natural Law is derived from God’s eternal law and how it serves as the basis for human laws and moral decisions.

Medieval and Reformation Eras

During the medieval period, Natural Law was further developed by Christian theologians and became a foundational concept in Western legal and ethical thought. The Reformation also engaged with the concept of Natural Law, although with some differing emphases.

• Medieval Scholasticism: Scholastic theologians, building on the work of Aquinas, further developed the idea of Natural Law, integrating it into the broader framework of Christian ethics and moral theology.
  • Canon Law and Natural Law: The Church’s Canon Law, which governed much of medieval Christian society, was deeply influenced by Natural Law principles, reflecting the belief that human laws should align with the moral order established by God.
• Reformation and Natural Law: Protestant reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin acknowledged the concept of Natural Law but placed greater emphasis on the fallen nature of humanity and the necessity of divine revelation for a full understanding of God’s will.
  • John Calvin (1509-1564 AD): Calvin recognized the existence of a moral order in nature but argued that due to human sinfulness, this natural understanding is insufficient for salvation, necessitating the need for Scripture and divine grace.
  • Institutes of the Christian Religion: In his Institutes, Calvin discusses the role of Natural Law in guiding moral behavior but stresses the need for the illumination provided by Scripture.

Modern Developments and Influence

Natural Law theory continued to be a significant influence in Christian ethics, philosophy, and law through the Enlightenment and into the modern era. It has been a foundational concept in the development of Western legal systems and continues to be debated and discussed in contemporary theology and ethics.

• Natural Rights and the Enlightenment: The Enlightenment saw the development of the concept of natural rights, which was heavily influenced by Natural Law. Thinkers like John Locke argued that certain rights are inherent to all human beings and are grounded in the Natural Law.
  • John Locke (1632-1704 AD): Locke’s ideas about natural rights, particularly the rights to life, liberty, and property, were foundational to the development of modern democratic theory and were influenced by his understanding of Natural Law.
  • Influence on American Founding Fathers: The concept of Natural Law and natural rights significantly influenced the American Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, with the idea that certain rights are “self-evident” and endowed by the Creator.
• Contemporary Theological Discussions: In contemporary theology, Natural Law remains a subject of debate, particularly in discussions of moral theology, social justice, and bioethics.
  • Catholic Social Teaching: The Roman Catholic Church continues to affirm the importance of Natural Law in its social teaching, particularly in its teachings on human dignity, justice, and the common good.
  • Pope John Paul II: In his encyclical Veritatis Splendor (1993), Pope John Paul II reaffirmed the importance of Natural Law as the basis for moral decision-making and the foundation of human rights.

Broader Theological Implications

Ethics and Moral Decision-Making

Natural Law provides a foundation for Christian ethics, offering a basis for moral decision-making that is rooted in the nature of human beings and the created order.

• Moral Absolutes: Natural Law supports the existence of moral absolutes—principles that are universally true and binding on all people. This contrasts with moral relativism, which denies the existence of universal moral truths.
  • Exodus 20:13-17 (NIV): The Ten Commandments are often seen as an expression of Natural Law, providing universal moral principles that reflect God’s will.
    

    “You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

  These commandments are understood as reflecting the moral order inherent in creation and accessible to human reason.

Human Dignity and Justice

Natural Law has significant implications for understanding human dignity and justice. It asserts that all human beings, by virtue of being created in the image of God, possess inherent worth and rights that must be respected.

• Imago Dei: The concept of being made in the image of God (imago Dei) is central to the Christian understanding of human dignity, which is foundational to Natural Law.
  • Genesis 1:27 (NIV):
    

    “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

    This verse underscores the belief that all human beings possess inherent dignity and worth, a principle that is central to Natural Law.

• Social Justice and the Common Good: Natural Law provides a framework for social justice, emphasizing the common good and the responsibility of individuals and societies to uphold justice and protect human rights.
  • Micah 6:8 (NIV):
    

    “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

    This passage reflects the moral imperatives that are consistent with Natural Law principles.

Legacy and Influence in Christian Doctrine

Natural Law has had a profound and lasting influence on Christian theology, ethics, and social teaching. It has shaped the development of Western legal systems, influenced Christian responses to social and moral issues, and provided a framework for understanding the moral order of the universe.

Conservative Reflection on Natural Law

From a conservative Christian perspective, Natural Law is often affirmed as a valid and important aspect of God’s revelation to humanity. It provides a basis for moral reasoning that is consistent with biblical teaching and supports the existence of universal moral principles that reflect God’s will. However, conservatives also emphasize the necessity of divine revelation, particularly Scripture, for a complete understanding of God’s moral law and the human condition.

Final Thoughts on God’s Love and Jesus

Natural Law points to the order and wisdom of God’s creation, reflecting His character and will. It serves as a reminder that all people are accountable to God’s moral law, which is accessible through reason and conscience. Ultimately, Natural Law directs us to the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and calls us to live in accordance with God’s will.

• Matthew 5:17 (NIV):
  

  “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

This verse encapsulates the relationship between Natural Law and the Gospel: Jesus fulfills the moral law, inviting all people to follow Him and live according to the principles of justice, love, and truth that are rooted in the very fabric of creation. Natural Law, when understood in light of Christ, becomes a guide for living a life that honors God and reflects His love to the world.