Why Concience needs God’s Influence
Conscience and Its Need for God’s Influence
Introduction
The concept of conscience is one that has intrigued philosophers, theologians, and psychologists for centuries. It is often perceived as an inner sense of right and wrong that guides a person's thoughts, intentions, and actions. Yet, even with this intuitive understanding, the nature and origin of conscience, as well as its reliability, have been debated extensively. This article posits that the human conscience is not an infallible guide and requires the influence of God for true moral discernment and ethical living.
What is Conscience?
The term "conscience" comes from the Latin conscientia, which means "with knowledge." It refers to an inner sense that guides an individual in distinguishing right from wrong. Edwin Lewis, a notable theologian, described it as "the inner sense of moral goodness or blameworthiness of one's own conduct, intentions, or character together with a feeling of obligation to do right or be good."
In the Bible, the conscience is often associated with the heart and mind, serving as a critic or moral compass (Romans 2:15, 1 Timothy 1:5). However, while conscience can guide us, it is not infallible. It can be shaped by various factors including culture, upbringing, and personal experiences, concluding that it needs divine guidance for true moral clarity.
The Biblical Perspective on Conscience
1. The Fallibility of Human Conscience
Scripture highlights the fallibility of human conscience. In Jeremiah 17:9, it says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" This suggests that our internal moral compass can be misleading, requiring guidance beyond human capacity.
2. God’s Law Written on Hearts
In Romans 2:14-15, Paul writes, "Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them." This indicates that an innate sense of God's law is imprinted on human hearts, suggesting divine influence even among those who do not explicitly know God.
3. The Role of the Holy Spirit
Jesus speaks about the role of the Holy Spirit in John 16:8, stating, "When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment." The Holy Spirit convicts and guides the conscience, emphasizing the need for divine influence in moral and ethical matters.
The Need for God’s Influence
1. Purification of Conscience
According to Hebrews 9:14, "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" This shows that a conscience, tainted by sin, needs purification through Christ's sacrifice.
2. Maintaining a Good Conscience
In 1 Timothy 1:5, Paul underscores the goal of maintaining "a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." This can be accomplished through God's grace and guidance, reinforcing the necessity of divine influence.
3. Moral and Ethical Guidance
In Psalm 119:105, it is written, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." God's word not only illuminates our path but also provides a benchmark for moral and ethical decision-making, supplementing our conscience with divine wisdom.
Theological Perspectives on Conscience
1. The Catholic View
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that conscience must be informed and moral judgment enlightened (CCC 1783-1785). A well-formed conscience is essential for making ethical decisions, which necessitates education and alignment with divine teachings.
2. The Protestant View
Martin Luther famously declared at the Diet of Worms, "My conscience is captive to the Word of God." This highlights the Protestant emphasis on scripture as the ultimate guide for conscience, recognizing its fallibility without divine revelation.
3. The Eastern Orthodox View
The Eastern Orthodox tradition emphasizes the synergy between human will and divine grace. The conscience is seen as an aspect of the "nous" (the eye of the soul), which requires continual purification through prayer and sacraments to align with God's will.
Psychological Perspectives
1. Freud’s Superego
Sigmund Freud identified the conscience as the "superego," a part of the personality that internalizes societal norms and parental guidance. While Freud’s theory is secular, it parallels the idea that conscience is shaped by external influences, underscoring the need for divine guidance to ensure it aligns with true moral values.
2. Moral Development Theories
Psychologists like Lawrence Kohlberg have explored stages of moral development, suggesting that higher stages involve principles akin to divine commandments. This indicates that the fully developed conscience aligns with universal moral principles, often reflective of divine influence.
Historical Perspectives
Throughout history, many cultures recognized the necessity of divine guidance in moral decision-making. Ancient civilizations often attributed laws and moral codes to divine sources, reflecting an inherent belief in the need for God's influence on human conscience.
1. Greek Philosophy
Greek philosophers like Socrates and Plato believed in an intrinsic moral order, guided by a higher divine principle. Plato’s concept of the “Good” parallels the Christian idea of God informing human conscience.
2. Medieval Thought
Medieval thinkers like Thomas Aquinas recognized conscience (synderesis) as an inherent aspect of human nature but emphasized that it requires divine guidance through revelation and grace for true moral clarity.
Practical Applications
1. Personal Decision Making
In everyday life, individuals face countless ethical dilemmas. Relying solely on personal conscience can lead to conflicting decisions. Integrating God's guidance through prayer, scripture, and spiritual counsel provides a more reliable framework for ethical decision-making.
2. Community and Societal Ethical Norms
A community that acknowledges the necessity of divine influence in shaping conscience is likely to uphold higher moral standards. This can be seen in societies that integrate religious principles in their legal and social norms.
3. Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Direction
For Christians seeking to align their conscience with God's will, pastoral counseling and spiritual direction offer valuable tools. Spiritual mentors can provide scriptural insights and guidance, helping individuals maintain a well-formed conscience.
Case Studies
1. Historical Figures
Examining historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr., who were deeply influenced by their faith, reveals the profound impact of divine guidance on their conscience and ethical decisions. King’s commitment to nonviolent resistance and civil rights was rooted in his understanding of divine justice.
2. Biblical Characters
Bible characters like David, Paul, and Peter demonstrate the importance of divine influence on conscience. Their stories illustrate the transformative power of God’s guidance, leading them from flawed human judgment to lives of profound moral integrity.
Challenges and Counterarguments
1. The Problem of Subjectivity
One challenge is the subjectivity of interpreting divine guidance. Different interpretations among various denominations and religions might lead to conflicting moral conclusions.
Response: While interpretations may vary, the core principles of love, justice, and mercy, as outlined in scripture, provide a common framework for ethical decision-making.
2. The Secular Perspective
Secularists argue that a well-formed conscience can exist without divine influence, through rational ethics and moral philosophy.
Response: Rational ethics and philosophy can guide conscience to some extent, but they lack the absolute, transcendent authority that divine guidance offers, which provides a more comprehensive moral framework.
In conclusion, while the human conscience has an innate capacity to guide moral decisions, it is not an infallible guide. The influence of God is essential for true moral clarity and ethical living. Through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, the teachings of Scripture, and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, individuals can achieve a purified and well-formed conscience. This divine influence not only enhances personal ethical decision-making but also contributes to higher moral standards within communities and societies.
Call to Action
For those seeking a well-formed conscience, the call to action is clear: embrace the transformative power of God’s influence. Engage deeply with Scripture, seek guidance through prayer and spiritual counsel, and commit to a life of sincere faith and ethical integrity. By doing so, you align your conscience with the divine will, ensuring that your moral compass points true north, guided by the infallible wisdom of God.
Additional Bible Passages to Explore
- Psalm 51:10 - "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."
- James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 - "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
- Galatians 5:16-17 - "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh."
- Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."