A Critical Reflection on Divine Command Theory of Morality 1 Felix Ayemere Airoboman Abstract This study is a critical inquiry into divine command theory of morality. The study begins by tracing the root of this theory in ancient philosophy. It posits the basic claims of the theory and the grounds on which human obedience to divine commands can be authenticated. It further examines some arguments raised by some philosophers against this theory which make it less plausible and unappealing. It queries the veracity of some of these arguments. Consequently, it examines some arguments in favour of the theory offered by some other philosophers to sustain the authenticity and plausibility of the theory. It argues that although divine command theory seems to blur the differences between law and morality, it nonetheless has the merit of addressing some problems inherent in other moral theories. It argues that the theory seems to be the most popular, widespread and appealing in guiding the concrete moral behaviour of people in their daily living. The study concludes that the theory is the most objective and universal among existing normative moral theories. Keywords: God, divine command, sovereignty, obedience, morality 17 Introduction The reliance on some external authority for moral guidance has been widespread among nearly all groups of people. The number of authorities which one might appeal to for guardian is many. They include parents, companions, teachers, customs, the laws, political leaders, religious institutions and their literature or spokesmen, some fixed “natural law,” the “will of God,” and so 1 on. Remarkable among them is the appeal to some religious authority. Almost all peoples have attributed their moral codes to their gods or to God. Yet these codes have been most diverse and have changed through the centuries with the development of the group 2 and with changed conditions. Despite the divergences, and independent of time and conditions, it seems the common denominator which underlies the various conceptions is that “God's command is the ultimate source of moral obligation or that God's will is the basis of moral laws. An action is said to be good because it conforms to divine commands. An action is said to be bad or evil because it is performed even though the agent knows that such an act 3 breaches God's commands”. Just like some other religions, the Christian religion tells people what the will of God for them is, and how they must live if they would please God. The kind of conduct which will please God 4 depends on the kind of person God is. The ethical theory which pinpoints the will of God or gods as guide to moral behaviour is called divine command theory. Department of Philosophy, University of Benin, Nigeria; Ewanlen: A Journal of Philosophical Inquiry Vol. 1, No. 1, 2017: 17 – 31 felix.airoboman@uniben.edu