Legal Definitions - divine law

Divine law refers to a system of rules or principles believed to originate directly from a divine source, such as God or a supreme spiritual authority. Unlike human-made laws, which are created and enforced by governments and societies, divine law is considered eternal, immutable, and universally binding, often serving as a moral or ethical foundation for individuals and communities.

Here are some examples illustrating divine law:

• Example 1: Religious Commandments

  Many religions include specific commandments or precepts that followers believe were revealed by a deity. For instance, the Ten Commandments in Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) include prohibitions against murder, theft, and bearing false witness. These are not merely suggestions but are understood as direct instructions from God, guiding moral conduct and societal order.

  This illustrates divine law because these commandments are believed to be direct pronouncements from a divine being, intended to govern human behavior and morality, rather than being laws drafted by a legislative body.

• Example 2: The Basis of Religious Legal Systems

  In some societies or communities, divine law forms the foundational principles for an entire legal system. For example, Islamic Sharia law is derived from the Quran (believed to be the word of God) and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad). These sources dictate rules concerning family matters, finance, criminal justice, and more, guiding both individual conduct and state governance in certain contexts.

  This demonstrates divine law as it shows a comprehensive legal framework whose authority and legitimacy are understood to come directly from religious texts and traditions believed to be divinely inspired, rather than from human legislative processes.

• Example 3: Conscientious Objection Based on Faith

  An individual might refuse to participate in a particular action, even if it is legally mandated by human law, because they believe it violates a higher divine law or moral principle revealed by their faith. For instance, a person might object to military service on the grounds that their religious beliefs prohibit violence or participation in warfare, viewing a divine command for peace as superior to a state's conscription laws.

  This illustrates divine law because the individual's refusal is based on an internal conviction that a divine mandate (e.g., for peace or non-violence) takes precedence over and is more authoritative than a human-made law, even if it means facing legal consequences.