hitchcock critiques systems of morality that rely on external rewards or punishments, such as the "hell-fire" imagery in the "koran" (pg. 63). he insists that such fear-based systems fail to cultivate true virtue, which must spring from love and a sense of duty. 1 john 4:18 (niv) > "there is no fear in love. but perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment." hitchcocks interpretation aligns with this verse, advocating for a love-driven approach to morality and religion. hitchcock asserts that all moral systems, codes of honor, and religious practices are ultimately grounded in the conscience. he frames the conscience as an internal judge that evaluates human actions and aligns them with divine law. key quote (pg. 64): > "if any rule can therefore be proposed before the conscience which of right demands obedience, it would then be wrong to obey the law of conscience; but to do right is the very essence of the law of conscience." this statement emphasizes the foundational role of conscience in moral reasoning, suggesting that even the highest external laws must be validated by it. romans 2:15 (niv) > "they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness." hitchcock ties this concept to the universality of conscience, portraying it as the divine imprint within every individual.
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