Moral intutionalism and the law inscribed on our hearts

Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, Dec 1999 by Mathewson, Mark D

Before concluding matters, let me briefly address one question that might arise in light of my discussion of Rom 2:14-15 in terms of a moderate moral intuitionism. On an intuitionist account of Rom 2:14-15, isn't it possible that someone might not intuit basic moral principles and thus not be accountable? Is not an innate law or an innate knowledge of that law necessary to guarantee that all do know the law and thus universal condemnation? Here again, though reminding ourselves of overextending analogies, the analogy between our intuitive and perceptual faculties may be helpful. Everyone, barring serious perceptual malfunction, perceives physical reality around them. Those with such malfunctions cannot be held accountable for missing or misconstruing this information. Of course no one human perceives all of physical reality and some perceive more of it than others just because of their location (e.g. living in Montana), the training of their perceptual faculties (e.g. training my eyes to see elk in the forest), and purposely placing themselves in situations to perceive a certain physical reality (e.g. going out in the mountains where the elk are). But all, with the relevant exceptions, perceive some physical reality that is sufficient for them to know that a God exists and some things about his nature (Rom 1:18-20). Though unregenerate persons willfully suppress, deny and distort the knowledge they receive through perceptual faculties, they do perceive and know. Likewise, everyone, barring serious cognitive (intuitive) malfunction, intuits moral reality around them. Those with such malfunctions (e.g. severe mental retardation) cannot be held accountable for missing or misconstruing the information. As with perception of physical reality, no one human intuits all of moral reality and some intuit more of it than others just because of their location (e.g. living in a morally oriented community), the training of their intuitive faculty (e.g. moral education), and purposefully placing themselves in situations contributing to their ability to intuit moral reality (e.g. joining a church). But all, with the relevant exceptions, intuit some moral reality that is sufficient for them to know right from wrong and be accountable for that knowledge and living in conformity to it. Unregenerate persons also willingly suppress, deny and distort the knowledge they receive through their intuitive faculty (Rom 1:32). The fact remains, however, that they do know at least some of God's moral demands.

IV. CONCLUSION

In this paper I have argued that a moderate moral intuitionism plausibly explicates the notion of the internal law in Rom 2:14-15 .47 1 have rejected an innate law or an innate knowledge of that law in favor of an innate intuitive faculty that allows us to apprehend and know God's basic moral demands. This moral intuitionism is moderately foundationalist, moderately rationalist and internalist with respect to justification. It is consistent with the context of Romans 1-2, corresponds to a biblical understanding of the imago Dei and sin, and accounts for experiences of life. At this point modern moral epistemology intersects with the eternal truth of God's word to help us understand the remarkable cognitive abilities of God's image-bearers and the responsibility that entails. 48