Final answer:
Divine Command Theory asserts that moral truths are dictated exclusively by God's commands, making any commanded action inherently good. It is separate from religious scriptures and does not equate to religion itself. Its unique feature is the possibility of gods issuing new or contradictory commands, distinguishing it from the moral tenets of major religions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Divine Command Theory is a philosophical stance that posits God as the basis for morality. According to this theory, what is good is determined solely by God's commands. Actions are intrinsically right if commanded by God, and wrong if forbidden. This theory operates on a fundamental principle where any act, no matter the content, can be deemed morally good if commanded by a deity, even if that act contradicts previously established norms or commands. It is critical to understand that this theory is separate from religious doctrine, as it does not rest on scriptures.
Divine Command Theory states that ethical truths are universal only so far as they are commanded by God. It does not suggest that the intention behind an action justifies it, nor does it claim that actions unmentioned by God are forbidden. It is also not synonymous with religion as it operates independently of religious texts and does not encompass the entirety of religious moral teachings. The theory is underpinned by a theistic framework, but its reliance on an ever-communicative deity who may issue new or contradictory commands makes it distinct from the moral foundations of major world religions.