Interpretation of Religious Writings (Ethics Based on Religion, or Divine Command Theory) Guiding Principle 1

Divine Command Theory This is an example of morality based on heteronomy It says that God has provided people with rules they should follow in order to make society harmonious This makes morality an objective truth – rules that must be followed These rules are found in scripture, for example the Ten Commandments, the Five Pillars or the Five Precepts (even though Buddhism has no God, the Buddha laid these down and he is the authority figure of Buddhism)

Examples from Christianity Main influences are the Bible, tradition laid down by the Church, inspiration from Holy Spirit, and divinely given human reason and conscience All teachings are directly taken from, or interpretations of, the teachings in the Bible: –Love your neighbour as you love yourself –Do not judge people harshly –Love your enemies

Examples from Buddhism Main influences in Buddhism do not come from a God. It is still heteronomy because Buddhist morals come from the religion. The influences in Buddhism are human reason and conscience, informed by the teachings of it’s founder Siddhartha Gautama, e.g. all books in the Pali Canon These include principles like –The Five Precepts –Skilful Means –Kamma