Research Paper
Nicholas Merritt
PLCY 701
August 20, 2021
Introduction
Is the Christian conception of Natural Law indispensable to a coherent moral theory of
the State? In short, yes, the State cannot conceivably display a coherent moral theory without the
principles of traditional Christian Natural Law. The answer to this question, however; is much
more complex than just a simple yes. Natural Law is not just based upon moral principles, but
legal ones as well. The moral component of Natural Law includes the free will ability to choose
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right from wrong, which is instilled upon mankind at birth. Biblically speaking, Natural Law is
the authority granted to us by God to make ethical decisions here on earth when we are presented
with the choice. The Book of Jeremiah sums this biblical mandate up in simplistic terms. “But
this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the L : ORD
I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and
they shall be my people”.
Although the legal aspect of Natural Law can be considered separate theory, it is very
much connected to the moral aspect. This connection is because the legal consequences we have
to face are derived from moral Natural Law theory. We see examples of this connection in the
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teachings of Thomas Aquinas and other philosophers of his time. Just as biblical mandates guide
us in morality, we are also guided in physical law concepts like the ones found in 1 Timothy.
“Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not
laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the
unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually
1 Kenneth Himma, “Natural Law,” accessed August 16, 2021, .https://iep.utm.edu/natlaw/
2 Joseph Raz, “Authority, Law and Morality,” , vol. 68, 295-324 Joseph Raz, “Legal Principles and the The Monist
Limits of Law,” 81 Yale Law Review 823 (1972)
immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is
