Final answer:
Divine Command Theory is a philosophical approach where morality is determined by God’s commands, which are not tied to scripture and can change over time. While it does explain certain individual acts of perceived divine mandate, it is not endorsed by major organized religions due to various problems and the potential for misuse.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Divine Command Theory is a philosophical stance that posits God's commands as the basis for morality. In essence, what God commands is inherently good, and what He forbids is considered bad. This theory does not rely on scriptures, suggesting that morality is not static and can be subject to change if new divine commands are issued. It is important to note that the Divine Command Theory is distinct from scriptural teachings like the Ten Commandments.
Examples of Divine Command Theory can include a person receiving a revelation that suggests God has instructed them to carry out a specific act, even if the act contradicts traditional or previous commandments. If someone believes they have been divinely instructed to commit an act, such as harming another, which violates the Ten Commandments, they might still consider it a moral act within this theory's framework. However, major religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam do not adopt Divine Command Theory due to its inherent problems, such as its potential for abuse and lack of stable moral foundation. They favor Natural Law Theory instead.
Divine Command Theory has many critics and is often associated with fanaticism or mental instability rather than with organized religions, which have a more structured approach to ethics and morality.