If God asked you do something would it be right because God asked you, or would God ask you because it is good

Question

Basically I am trying to get your thoughts on divine command theory, no "right" answer only better and worse ones.

Answer 1

Some people, in debate circles, are scared to admit the latter, which says that God asks you because it's good. This infers a couple of things, which are that:

(1) there is some set of standards (morals) higher than God and therefore it puts into doubt that God is the highest being and limits God, being that is supposed to be infinite.

(2) This demonstrates these set of standards can exist apart from God, therefore negating some theological arguments that morality cannot exist without a God.

When it comes to number 1, I don't really care about whether or not God is bound to a set of standards or if this set of standards is higher than him. That set is not a being and he is STILL the highest BEING. And who cares if he is limited by this. A being can be both limited and unlimited at the same time (The set of all integers is limited to integers, but it is still unlimited by virtue of the fact that it is an infinite set)

As for number (2) it would still have to be explained how these set of standards got ingrained into a random species out of all of the various species here on earth.

My best bet is that God asked you because it is good. To ask if something would be right ONLY because God asked you, is to (in a sense) ask a nonsensical question, which is a fallacy on the grandest scale. You're essentially asking can God MAKE something (that is NOT good i.e. BAD) good. A thing can not be both A and NON-A at the same time and for a timeless God, if something was bad yesterday and is good today that makes for a self-contradiction.

Look, if you go to McDonalds and ask, "Can I get one of your Whoppers?" The drive thru guy can't really answer "yes or no" because it's a confused question anyway, so he has to say, "We don't sale whoppers."

So when you say, "If God asked you to do something would it be right because God asked you?" It's a confused question also because it infers a self-contradictory system where something that was NOT good yesterday CAN be good today. If there's one thing we can agree upon about goodness, is that it must be the same everyday and everytime (if you disagree with that proposal, email me).

Anyway, that's my take on it. It may turn out to not be philosophically sound, but I gave it a shot. I'm no philosopher.

Answer 2

When you use the term God, which god do you mean. To answer your question, you must first define the many faceted term that you are using to describe an infinite creature. If you are refering to the Jewish God then the assumption is that God is Good, therefore anything that God says must be good. On the other hand, why would such a god need to ask you a question. Having created you and everything else, what could there possibly be that he or she would need an answer to.

If I created you, I certainly would know what you are thinking at all times, because I would have included that in your program.

The question is without merit, because there are too many assumptions to consider.

Allegedly, when that Arab cut off a man's head, he said: "Allahu ackbar" Which means God is Good. Now there is a puzzle for you. Which god was he talking about.

Just deal with the God within you and you will have all of your questions answered;

Jarhead

Answer 3

How many people have blown themselves and others up because they heard God tell them to do it. Or because it was "God's will" as interpreted by their book? I heard of a guy who jumped into a lions enclosure at a zoo and tried to baptize them because 'God' told him to. Poor guy should have had some friends who really were listening to God when they thought their pal could use some lithium for the skitzo....

To know whether or not God is asking you to do something you need a very good understanding of God, Good and Evil and a formed conscience that knows the difference between good and evil. (And actively chooses good) If "God" is asking you to seek vengeance, or kill , lie, cheat, steal or any other number of things that disregard the method you use in exchange for the goal you are after, regardless of how good it may seem, then you are being tempted to go over to the dark side of the force. Your choice. But from what I've seen the dark side of the force is nothing but dark clothes, and raspy voices.

God cannot do evil, he can only be and do good. Anything else is less then himself which is impossible for him. He's not going to ask you to do something bad. Blaming God for evil actions we come up with and then carry out in his name is called blasphemy in some religions. That's not God. God's going to inspire you to be your very best and to take the best care of the people he brings into your life.

If your inspiration is other then that, be careful. When in doubt, If it has to be now, the answer is no.

-Rob

Answer 4

If someone feels that God is asking them to do something. They need to think and pray hard on it for a few days. Sometimes the voice we here isn't God, it's really sinful persuasion. One way to distiguish God's voice from satans is whatever it is that God asks you to do he will make it 100% clear, you will have no confusion you will know that it is the will of God.

Answer 5

God will only ask because it is good and right. It just how faith full are you to full filled it.

Despite the theory, our thinking its just to analyze is it really god who asked?, and what is the meaning of the request. God thinking is above our thinking.

Answer 6

whats the difference between "right" and "good"?

there is the "Bible", "the right thing", and the "Law"

According to the Bible ( which is suppose to be in god's words) there have been some things that don't go well with our current "laws".

so i don't know what your asking whats "right" here.

"right" and "good" are used the same way.

they both mean, what people think is best, is morally accurate.
that could also mean based on the laws people use.

so its an opinion or idea on what right and good really are.

Answer 7

I believe that it would be right because God asked you. There is no one good on earth. So if we consider something good, that doesn't necessarily make it good, but God is always right.

Answer 8

Traditionally, many gods are often tricksters. So, one should be careful doing what any other one tells them to do.

Besides, if a god was trying to tell you what to do, I highly doubt they would have any sense of directness.

Do you ever feel like you're getting in-directions?

Answer 9

I would say that if God asked me to do anything, than it is right, because God asked me.

Answer 10

If He asked me to do something it would be a good thing he was asking me to do. Why? Because I know He loves me, He has forgiven me and He has saved me. Those are not the acts of a vengeful God.