Discuss critically the belief that the conscience is the voice of God

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Katie Barfoot

Discuss critically the belief that the conscience is the voice of God

There is much controversy surrounding the origins of the human conscience; some theologians maintain that it is the voice of God, whilst others assert that it is affected by societal influences. It has even been suggested that the conscience’s existence is not universal. Indeed, ‘the notion of conscience as an internal organ is not found outside Christianity.’ Before attempting to identify roots, it is firstly necessary to establish the meaning of ‘conscience.’ It is generally agreed that it is, in part, an individual’s capacity to decide on the moral appropriateness of a particular course of action. As L. K. Rambo says, ‘It serves as a guide or monitor of life.’ Indeed, both Christians and those from a secular viewpoint adhere to this view. However, despite this consensus, the views of Christians, such as Newman, stand in contrast to those coming from a secular perspective.

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 Newman maintains that the conscience is God informing the individual as to how they should behave and thus, in a sense, ‘tells us about the nature of God’s existence.’ Martin Luther also believes that wisdom is revealed through the word of God.  St. Thomas Aquinas offers an alternative view, asserting that in ‘the mind of man making moral judgements’ wisdom is revealed in nature. Such forms the basis of the ethical theory Natural Law. However, Aquinas reflects Augustine’s idea of an epistemological handicap, holding that something is good if it fits its purpose, but sin taints our view, making goodness ...

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