Natural Law, A Shapeshifter
David Reece on the ambiguities of natural law
Defeating Natural Law as an Opponent of Theonomy:
Natural law as an alternative to theonomy is easy to defeat, if you know what your opponent is talking about.
Most natural law proponents will not very clearly define their view.
When they do, they either:
(1) agree with theonomy that the propositional revelation of the Triune God (Scripture) is the lone standard for doctrine and practice (including for the civil power), or
(2) disagree with theonomy that the propositional revelation of the Triune God (Scripture) is the lone standard for doctrine and practice (including for the civil power).
If they disagree, then they reject Sola Scriptura and the term “natural law” provides a useful distinguisher from theonomy.
If they agree, then we hold to the same position. What are we talking about? I propose we not use the term “natural law” since it is less clear, and instead talk about the general equity of the civil laws of Israel. In other words, “theonomy”.
