Introducing the Divine Independence Success Theory

Divine Independence Success Theory of Moral Value (DIST-A):

At least one state of affairs is morally good and, if God exists, neither God nor God’s nature nor any state of God (such as his attitudes, intentions, emotions, desires, will, commands, etc.) are what makes all instances of moral value morally valuable.

Comments:

1. I prefer this label to other labels which suggest that this position is somehow inherently “godless” or “atheistic.” DIST-A is entirely neutral on whether theism is true and so is logically consistent with theism.
2. DIST-A is logically consistent with the proposition that a loving God (or God’s nature) can be the source or grounding of certain morally valuable things (such as holiness, reverence, etc.). DIST-A denies, however, that if God exists, all moral value is dependent upon God’s nature.
3. The 'A' in the acronym DIST-A is for axiology.

Divine Independence Success Theory of Moral Obligation (DIST-D):

At least one action is morally obligatory and, if God exists, neither God nor any state of God (such as his attitudes, intentions, emotions, desires, will, commands, etc.) are what makes all morally obligatory actions morally obligatory.

Comments:

1. I prefer this label to other labels which suggest that this position is somehow inherently “godless” or “atheistic.” DIST-D is entirely neutral on whether theism is true and so is logically consistent with theism.
2. DIST-D is logically consistent with the proposition that a loving God can make acts morally required or prohibited by issuing commands. DIST-D denies, however, that if God exists, all moral obligations are dependent upon God’s commands.
3. Replacing “loving God” with “God” makes no difference to DIST-D.
4. The 'D' in the acronym DIST-D is for deontology.