Apologetics

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GOOD WITHOUT GOD?


If otherwise expressed, I occasionally come across the expression good without God. It serves as a protest against the idea that a person requires cultivating a relationship with God to be good. Moreover, it sometimes implies that a religious faith is counterproductive.
On the other hand, some years ago I was having tea with Christian philosopher Arthur Holmes, whom I had not seen for some time. In the course of our conversation, I inquired whether he had recently published an additional book. When he mentioned a text in ethics, I asked if he could identify its thrust. At which, he replied: “Without God, there is no ethics.” Which I understood him to mean that there is no exacting standard by which right and wrong can be judged.
Other related thoughts come to mind. For instance, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace” (Rom. 3:23). This obviously allows for no exception, whether with or without God.
Moreover, the allusion to grace gives rise to its relationship to good works. This, in turn, recalls a visit from Roman Catholic New Testament scholar Ben Viviano, who expressed some misgivings about the Protestant emphasis on salvation by grace alone. In response, I suggested: “It is not a matter of grace or works, but a grace that works.” “Precisely!” he exclaimed.
In theological terms, sin consists of any lack of conformity to the will of God. It may be by way of commission or omission, but the latter is often more subtle and indeed more grievous. Who would claim that they had never failed to do what should have been done? It is hard to imagine that any one would be so inclined.
Having spent considerable time in foreign cultures, I am well aware of some of the differences that exist. For instance, what constitutes modesty differs from one culture to the next. As in the case of an Arab acquaintance, who criticized the provocative way that American girls dress. When I mentioned that they derive from a different culture, he allowed that while this was true, it is still their intent to arouse the sexual interests of their male counterparts. While overlooked in our brief discussion, all cultures appear to have some sense of modesty, even thought it differs in particular ways.
The good without God claim also brings to mind C. S. Lewis’ distinction between Christians and nice people. In this regard, he suggests that we should pray that nice people become Christians, and Christians become nice (civil).
As a reality check, were I in need of assistance, I would as a rule turn to a fellow Christian. But this has not always been the case. This was for a variety of reasons. For instance, non-Christians have sometimes seemed more available, and/or better informed.
Conversely, I certainly would not demean a Christian simply because of his or her profession of faith. Since I would suppose that this would characteristically act as an incentive for good behavior. While this perspective does not seem to be shared by at least some of those who promote the good without God alternative.
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Jesus inquired. “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matt. 7:3, 5). Several brief observations seem in order. Initially, we may be more inclined to overlook our own wrong doing than that done by others.
Second, motivations tend to be mixed. So that we may readily upgrade or downgrade our own behavior or that of another. Especially when another person takes issue with our point of view.
Finally, God is depicted in Scripture as being eminently just. In this regard, he is said to have the final word. If so, this is something we should take into consideration.

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