The belief that natural law is given to humans by God has deep historical roots and is closely associated with theological and philosophical traditions. One of the most prominent figures associated with this belief is Saint Thomas Aquinas, a medieval Catholic theologian and philosopher. Aquinas synthesized the teachings of classical philosophy, particularly Aristotle, with Christian theology in his monumental work "Summa Theologica."
According to Aquinas, natural law is a set of moral principles inherent in the nature of human beings, discernible through reason and accessible to all people. He argued that these principles are grounded in the divine order established by God. For Aquinas, God is the ultimate source of law, and natural law reflects God's wisdom and intention for human flourishing.
The concept of natural law being God-given also aligns with broader Judeo-Christian thought. The biblical tradition, with its emphasis on divine commandments and moral guidance, has greatly influenced the understanding of natural law as rooted in a transcendent source.
This perspective has had a lasting impact on Western legal and moral philosophy, shaping notions of justice, human rights, and ethical conduct. The idea that natural law is bestowed by God implies a moral order that transcends human laws, providing a foundation for ethical reasoning and a basis for critiquing unjust or immoral legal systems.