Have you read CS Lewis on this in his Mere Christianity?
I asked Grok to summarize for me…
In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis opens Book 1 ("Right and Wrong as a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe") by arguing that humans share a universal Moral Law (also called the Law of Human Nature, the Law of Right and Wrong, or the Rule of Decent Behaviour). This internal sense of what one "ought" to do—often experienced as conscience—serves as a key clue pointing toward God's existence. Lewis presents it not as a mere feeling, instinct, or social invention, but as an objective reality that judges our behavior and reveals something transcendent behind the universe.
In reflection, during the 90's I was only marginally aware of Pope Benedict. Oddly enough I had, somehow been more aware of the Cardinal Ratzinger. During those times I was, what one colleague called it "At war with Catholicism". Even today I have been referred to as "Post Christian". I do not disagree. And now with the advent of today's new thinkers, and researchers, more information mostly uncovered by, in particular, this case, You Diana. I have downloaded the PDF file of Conscience and Truth, and will begin its study. As an etymology student, I am compelled to examine many words, carefully. The word Conscience, is derived from Latin and points to "a joint knowledge of something, a knowing of a thing together with another person; consciousness, knowledge". Particularly within one's self, a sense of right and wrong". Truth it's root begins with True, and as a stonemasons term points to reliable. It's merely a start, but I'll be digging. I appreciate what you bring to us here, and elsewhere.
Wow, that's fascinating. I didn't know that about conscience, but I know just a tiny bit of Latin, and I forgot to read the word. Thank you for that. Very similar to what Hannah Arendt points to, also...
….i forgot to mention Robert Hugh Benson’s Lord of the World. Crazy how each day we get another step closer to his visionary warning’s related to morality and conscience. Another great book! Diana, when is your next book being released? Is July correct?
Ah, yes, Lord of the World. I write about this in my forthcoming book, The Others. It is coming out July 28th but is on pre-order now, and I my press just gave me a discount code for it. I will find that and publish it here on my Substack. Anyway, Peter Thiel has also been talking about Lord of the World in his talk on the Antichrist. In my book, I discuss his take, and then provide my own take.
Yes. There is an objective order of truth and goodness that exists independently of human opinion. Conscience is not a private moral factory that creates its own standards; it is a window opening outward onto a transcendent reality that grounds and sustains us all.
This is precisely the insight that draws me to Catholic thought—even though I no longer consider myself religious. I’m especially attracted to its inclusivism: the generous conviction that the light of truth can reach every human heart through the quiet voice of conscience, even when that heart has never explicitly known Christ.
In an age that often treats morality as self-expression or social convention, this vision feels both radical and deeply humane. It refuses the sophistic trap of making man the measure of all things, while still leaving room for genuine encounter with the Good wherever it appears.
Great subject!
Have you read CS Lewis on this in his Mere Christianity?
I asked Grok to summarize for me…
In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis opens Book 1 ("Right and Wrong as a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe") by arguing that humans share a universal Moral Law (also called the Law of Human Nature, the Law of Right and Wrong, or the Rule of Decent Behaviour). This internal sense of what one "ought" to do—often experienced as conscience—serves as a key clue pointing toward God's existence. Lewis presents it not as a mere feeling, instinct, or social invention, but as an objective reality that judges our behavior and reveals something transcendent behind the universe.
I know the book but have yet to read it! It's high on the list.
In reflection, during the 90's I was only marginally aware of Pope Benedict. Oddly enough I had, somehow been more aware of the Cardinal Ratzinger. During those times I was, what one colleague called it "At war with Catholicism". Even today I have been referred to as "Post Christian". I do not disagree. And now with the advent of today's new thinkers, and researchers, more information mostly uncovered by, in particular, this case, You Diana. I have downloaded the PDF file of Conscience and Truth, and will begin its study. As an etymology student, I am compelled to examine many words, carefully. The word Conscience, is derived from Latin and points to "a joint knowledge of something, a knowing of a thing together with another person; consciousness, knowledge". Particularly within one's self, a sense of right and wrong". Truth it's root begins with True, and as a stonemasons term points to reliable. It's merely a start, but I'll be digging. I appreciate what you bring to us here, and elsewhere.
Wow, that's fascinating. I didn't know that about conscience, but I know just a tiny bit of Latin, and I forgot to read the word. Thank you for that. Very similar to what Hannah Arendt points to, also...
….i forgot to mention Robert Hugh Benson’s Lord of the World. Crazy how each day we get another step closer to his visionary warning’s related to morality and conscience. Another great book! Diana, when is your next book being released? Is July correct?
Ah, yes, Lord of the World. I write about this in my forthcoming book, The Others. It is coming out July 28th but is on pre-order now, and I my press just gave me a discount code for it. I will find that and publish it here on my Substack. Anyway, Peter Thiel has also been talking about Lord of the World in his talk on the Antichrist. In my book, I discuss his take, and then provide my own take.
Yes. There is an objective order of truth and goodness that exists independently of human opinion. Conscience is not a private moral factory that creates its own standards; it is a window opening outward onto a transcendent reality that grounds and sustains us all.
This is precisely the insight that draws me to Catholic thought—even though I no longer consider myself religious. I’m especially attracted to its inclusivism: the generous conviction that the light of truth can reach every human heart through the quiet voice of conscience, even when that heart has never explicitly known Christ.
In an age that often treats morality as self-expression or social convention, this vision feels both radical and deeply humane. It refuses the sophistic trap of making man the measure of all things, while still leaving room for genuine encounter with the Good wherever it appears.