Asking God for Moral Guidance

Michael Shermer’s article at True/Slant asks why we can’t just ask God for the answers to moral questions.  He gives three reasons why not:

1. Euthyphro’s dilemma.  Is an action good because God has commanded it or has God commanded it because it is good?
2. Modern moral issues, such as stem cell research, are not covered by ancient religious texts.
3. Some of the moral precepts contained in ancient religious texts have been rejected by modern society.

You might find it interesting to read Shermer’s article and see if you can develop any counter arguments.  Click here for more information on Euthyphro’s dilemma.

To me, the problem in practice is not the question posed to God, but the answer that comes back.  So let’s assume someone ignores Shermer and asks God anyway.  Should you listen to this person?  Here are three things to think about:

1. There is no way to confirm this person has been in contact with God.  If they claim to have heard God, they’re probably insane.   When is the last time you experienced a waking audio-visual message from God?  (Answer: never.)  If they interpret an emotion, “tingly feeling,” or dream as coming from God, they’re probably irrational.  The emotions, “tingly feelings,” and dreams of atheists are not substantively different from those of Christians.  Either God is sending spiritual emails to everyone, or to no one.
2. If they’re finding answers in the Bible, apply this test: if the interpretation of the biblical text would have made no sense to the author and original audience, it’s wrong.
3. Whatever they’re telling you, someone else of equal commitment to Christianity will tell you the opposite.  To whom should you listen?

In the end, whatever your religious convictions, you must reason things out for yourself.