Divine Command Research Paper

Divine Command & Social Contract

Brenda and Ralph are co-workers and counselors at a local high school. Ralph is a believer in Social Contract, while Brenda is a Divine Command strong hearted Southern Baptist woman. Brenda and Ralph are debating on the subject of students of the same sex kissing in the hallways at school. This is a touchy subject for both of them, since religion has been taken out of the school system in recent years. However, they feel the problem of students of the same sex showing affection in the school have made their job more difficult to manage, and resolve academic issues.
Brenda- Ralph, how familiar with Divine Command are you? I would like to explain my convictions on why our students are with the same sex and
Under any condition two people of the same sex are not doing the right thing.
Ralph- My theory supports the notion to live as well as possible and this would not constitute a wrong doing. This breaks no laws set by our society and most states support same sex marriages.
Brenda- Based on my teachings and beliefs, the bible sets the rules we live by in our society. The bible states "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination." Leviticus 18:22. This sin called for the death penalty under the Law. "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death;" Leviticus 20:13. It gives us rules to abide by and the consequences if not followed.
Ralph- Great point, based on your beliefs, but what are the reasons same sex couples can`t be together? How does that affect society? Also, what wrongful act or law of the land are they breaking?
Brenda- God governs by his rules set forth in the teachings of the bible. My strong Divine Command theory solidifies the morality of these acts. They are wrongful acts in society. Another good point is, they cannot bear children
Our moral duties have nothing to do with living in a civilized society, where everyone is in agreement to pay taxes and abide by the laws.
Brenda- Our United States of America is made up of believers in God. Over 78 percent have some belief in a higher power, and even our courthouses are set up on the moral beliefs of God. We must raise our right hand and promise to tell the truth before testifying in court. This says that majority of the people are living with the Divine Command theory, and not Social Contract. However, the laws are there, but morality is a major part of our world. Also, you can only get incarcerated if you commit perjury in the court room. People tell little white lies all the time for the good of people.
Ralph- This is why our judicial system has many flaws. It can`t be morally correct when you have the death penalty. Based on Gods laws, we shouldn’t be killing any person for breaking the law. It is the Sixth Commandment “thou shalt not kill” and therefore should not be enforced in society. The beliefs of my theory are a set of rules that are governed by the people, based on a majority decision. Morality should not have any influence on how we live in harmony. If it does not harm society, then it is acceptable. That is why I feel dating of the same sex is acceptable and not morally wrong. The bible has stories of men with many wives, and that is contradictory of morality, and the ten Commandment rule on