On the Heart of Every Man

   Eighty some odd years ago, 3 graduate students were up late at night discussing weighty concepts of philosophy and religion.  One of these men, an atheist, was left with a tough problem.  He spent many nights wrestling with that problem until he finally gave in.  He couldn’t find any other explaination for it other than God.  This is what ultimately brought him to his knees, and so he gave his life to Jesus.  The man’s name was Clive Staples Lewis, and he went on to be one of the most influential Christian philosophers and writers of the twentieth century.  One of the problems that he could not handle was the existence of universal morality.

   Why was universal morality such a problem for CS Lewis?  Well, first we must understand what universal morality is.  Simply put, it is a standard of right and wrong that applies to everyone regardless of race, color, or creed.  It doesn’t matter if you believe in it or not, it is the law you must all live by.

   Does such a thing exist?  Let’s examine a fairly simple concept, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Now that is a Jewish and Christian concept, but is it a universal one?  Bahá'í, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Humanism, Islam, Jainism, Mohism, Platonism, Scientology, Sikhism, Taoism, and Wicca all contain this rule in some form or another.  Almost every faith we know of contains some form of the so called Golden Rule as an absolute moral truth that should be followed.  If that is not a universal moral truth, then I have no idea what is.

   So, why is that important? Well, it points us toward two objective truths.  First, an absolute moral law exists, and it is very difficult to explain how a law like this exists without also admitting to the existence of an all powerful, all knowing, and all loving lawgiver. Second, that law is somehow being made known to everyone in the world.  The amazing awareness of the golden rule across all creeds and cultures speaks boldly to the idea that God’s moral law is literally written on the hearts of every man, woman, and child.

   As you can see, the scope of it is simply amazing.  God, the creator of the universe, has touched each and every one of us in a very personal way.  Now all we must do is ask ourselves, “What kind of God would make himself known to us in such a bold and intimate manner?”  Hopefully, like me, you will see that this is a God that is both sovereign and amazing, and yet gentle and loving.  This is a God who is exactly like Jesus describes his Father to be.

   “Jesus replied:  ‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’” - Matthew 22:37-40