“These, then, are the two points I wanted to make. First, that human beings, all over the earth, have this curious idea that they ought to behave in a certain way, and cannot really get rid of it. Secondly, that they do not in fact behave in that way. They know the Law of Nature; they break it. These two facts are the foundation of all clear thinking about ourselves and the universe we live in”.
C. S. Lewis – Mere Christianity
According to Wikipedia “Natural law, or the law of nature (Latin: lex naturalis), is a system of law that is purportedly determined by nature, and so is universal. Classically, natural law refers to the use of reason to analyze human nature—both social and personal—and deduce binding rules of moral behavior from it. Natural law is often contrasted with the positive law of a given political community, society, or state”.
In other words, C. S. Lewis is talking about a system of law that is determined by nature. Because this law is dictated by nature it is universal, same in every place and for every person. It is not given by society or state or dictated by the community where you live. It is something general, something so integral to our human nature that it binds us to rules of moral behavior.But even further, C. S. Lewis claims that we, the people, human beings, know this natural law, but we do not follow it, we break it.
The natural law has a long history. Plato talks about it in his works, and some authors call Aristotle the father of natural law. In his Rhetoric, Aristotle states “Universal law is the law of Nature. For there really is, as every one to some extent divines, a natural justice and injustice that is binding on all men, even on those who have no association or covenant with each other”.
Philosophy has discussed the possibility of Natural Law or Universal Law that is similar in every culture around the world.
In Bible Paul talks about this Natural Law in his letter to the Romans “14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;” (Romans 2:14-15).
In Mere Christianity C. S. Lewis claims that “The point is that they (excuses) are one more proof of how deeply, whether we like it or not, we believe in the Law of Nature. If we do not believe in decent behaviour, why should we be so anxious to make excuses for not having behaved decently? The truth is, we believe in decency so much – we feel the Rule of Law pressing on us so – that we cannot bear to face the fact that we are breaking it, and consequently we try to shift the responsibility”.
In other words, in our hearts there is something, an integral part of what makes us humans, that tells us that there exists set of rules, Natural Laws, of behavior. And these laws dictate what is good and what is bad.
Did you find this interesting and would like to read more?
I recomend reading the next post in this series: Moral law.
Did you find this interesting and would like to read more?
I recomend reading the next post in this series: Moral law.
There is for sure a natural law and so many of us don't listen to it.... then we have to pay the piper.
ReplyDeleteWe need to pay more attention to natural law to many people chose to ignore it.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure many realize there is a natural law and that treating others good is the right thing to do. I find that when I do something nice for others even if I do not get a thank you, I still feel better about myself.
ReplyDeleteI often find human behavior hypocritical. Not everyone practices what they preach. If we all did, the world would likely be a much better place. We can't always be righteous and good, but doing the best we can is a good way to start.
ReplyDeleteWe talk about this a lot in our gospel discussions. Especially on the standards that we hold that so many in society rile against and work so hard to "excuse" their behavior. Honestly if it wasn't a natural law on how to behave to that standard, why do they feel so compelled to "excuse" their behavior? it's a great thing to think about. If it wasn't a natural law, they wouldn't feel such a need to find a reason, a good excuse as to why they aren't living to that standard.
ReplyDeleteHi, what a wonderful post just when I needed it. I have sometimes acted against the natural law and I truly believe we are in this world to learn lessons and believe. I heard the other day a comment that made a profound effect on me: The architect of the Universe would have never created a stairway leading to anywhere. For me is Believe and Succeed.
ReplyDeleteLife would be simpler that's for sure if we all followed the natural laws. however nature takes over our human forms and takes over our own desire to follow the natural laws natural vs nature laws is what paul is talking about here. It makes for a great study. but there's more before and after the scriptures that are quoted here that have to be considered in context.
ReplyDeleteNatural laws like you say exist for a reason-the world would be a better place with kindness. it is soooo needed these days-thanks for the great reminder
ReplyDeleteYou can tell that this is true, but the question is, what are those laws? It certainly isn't lying. My 16 yr old son lies without a lick of guilt (tee hee)
ReplyDeleteI need to pay more attention to the natural laws around us
ReplyDeleteI love C.S. Lewis - this is fascinating!
ReplyDelete~ Kimberly
Can you imagine a world with no natural laws? You don't even need to be a Christian to have these sets on laws engraved in our very own beings. Good read!
ReplyDeletenatural law existed of course and just like most of us said some people just don't pay attention to it and also in my opinion the nature itself not following it because we experience natural calamity that usually cause huge damage than any human can do, this is just my opinion
ReplyDeleteI agree with other comment on the fact hat a lot of people do not practice what they preach. We should all follow the natural law.
ReplyDeleteI have to say - I really like how your blog is formatted today. I`ve read a lot of your posts - but today is was condensed and easy to read. I am impressed that you seem to have a new blog post every day. Wow!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Most people are inherently good, in my opinion. At least that is what I would like to think about my fellow man.
ReplyDeleteI do believe in this - though some may disagree - we all have that sense of natural law. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree completely with you. You have a way of thinking and letting words flow I wish I could do that!
ReplyDeleteIf all of us has the ability to listen and recognize the natural, there would be peace all around.
ReplyDeleteYou really have me thinking about natural order... and the stray/community dogs are something I think of
ReplyDeleteI think people know about Natural law only they tend to ignore it. Those are the type of people that is lacking of common sense and care.
ReplyDeleteWe need to respect the natural law and abide from it. We don't and that is why we are in the mess we are in.
ReplyDeleteIf only we all abided by this I think we all would be in a much better place right now. Love this post today and as always great photos.
ReplyDeleteThe world would be such a better place if we all would follow the natural laws.
ReplyDeleteIf we were more sensitive to it, the world definitely would be a much happier place! The pictures in this post are absolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very good read. I love C.S. Lewis and your pictures are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAs i read all of the comments, it seems most agree we should follow the natural laws. Where do those natural laws come from? Who decides what these laws are? I say God created the heavens, the moon, the stars, the planets, and put everything in perfect order. This piece of rock we live on is the only one in the known universe that we could survive. Is that an accident? The sun rises every day, the seasons change. Order cant come from chaos on its own, there has to be something controling it.God is the author of our existance. These natural laws are His laws. And Jesus is the fulfillment of the law. God bless
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