Epigraph:
Oh Prophet, when your Lord took out the offspring from the loins of the Children of Adam and made them bear witness about themselves, He said, ‘Am I not your Lord?’ and they replied, ‘Yes, we bear witness.’ So you cannot say on the Day of Resurrection, ‘We were not aware of this.’ (Al Quran 7:172)
Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times
The sensus divinitatis, Latin for “sense of divinity,” is a concept introduced by theologian John Calvin to describe an inherent human faculty that provides an awareness or perception of God. This innate sense suggests that all individuals possess a natural capacity to recognize the divine, independent of external revelation or instruction.
John Calvin’s Perspective
In his seminal work, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Calvin asserts that every person is endowed with a “seed of religion” (semen religionis) and an intrinsic awareness of God’s existence. He writes, “There is within the human mind, and indeed by natural instinct, an awareness of divinity.” Calvin argues that this universal sense of the divine leaves humanity without excuse for unbelief, as the knowledge of God is imprinted on every heart.
Development in Reformed Epistemology
Contemporary philosopher Alvin Plantinga expanded upon Calvin’s concept within the framework of Reformed epistemology. Plantinga posits that the sensus divinitatis is a cognitive faculty designed to produce belief in God under appropriate conditions. However, due to the noetic effects of sin—sin’s impact on the mind—this faculty may be impaired, leading to unbelief or distorted perceptions of the divine.
Biblical Foundations
The notion of an inherent awareness of God finds support in various biblical passages. For instance, Romans 1:19–20 states, “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes… have been clearly perceived… in the things that have been made.” This suggests that God’s existence and attributes are evident through creation, resonating with the idea of a sensus divinitatis.
Philosophical Implications
The concept of the sensus divinitatis has significant implications for debates on the rationality of religious belief. It challenges the notion that belief in God requires inferential evidence or argumentation, proposing instead that such belief can be “properly basic”—justified independently of argumentative support. This perspective offers a rebuttal to evidentialist critiques that demand empirical evidence for the rationality of theistic belief.
Critiques and Counterarguments
Despite its influence, the sensus divinitatis concept faces several criticisms:
- Diversity of Religious Beliefs: Philosopher Evan Fales argues that the vast divergence in religious claims and beliefs undermines the reliability of an innate divine sense. Wikipedia
- Moral Discrepancies: The lack of demonstrably superior morality among believers compared to non-believers raises questions about the efficacy of the sensus divinitatis. Wikipedia
- Problematic Scriptural Depictions: Certain biblical narratives, where God is portrayed as commanding or condoning morally questionable acts, challenge the notion of a universally benevolent divine sense. Wikipedia
Additionally, philosopher Steven Maitzen contends that the uneven distribution of religious belief across different demographics makes the existence of a universal sensus divinitatis unlikely.
Conclusion
The sensus divinitatis remains a pivotal concept in theology and philosophy, offering an explanation for the widespread human inclination toward religious belief. While it provides a framework for understanding innate theistic tendencies, ongoing debates and critiques continue to shape its interpretation and relevance in contemporary discourse.
For a visual exploration of John Calvin’s teaching on the sensus divinitatis, you may find the following video insightful:
Islam
In Islamic theology, the concept analogous to the Christian sensus divinitatis—the innate human sense of the divine—is known as fitrah. Derived from the Arabic root meaning “to create” or “to bring forth,” fitrah refers to the inherent disposition within every human being to recognize and submit to the oneness of Allah. This intrinsic nature aligns with the Islamic belief in monotheism, suggesting that all individuals are born with an innate awareness of and inclination toward the divine.
Definition and Significance
Fitrah is considered the natural constitution bestowed upon humans by Allah, serving as an inner compass that guides individuals toward recognizing truth and moral goodness. It encompasses the innate ability to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, and fosters an inclination toward worship and obedience to Allah. This concept underscores the belief that the recognition of God’s existence and sovereignty is embedded within human nature.
Prophetic Teachings on Fitrah
The Prophet Muhammad emphasized the universality of fitrah in a well-known hadith:
“Every child is born upon the fitrah, but his parents make him a Jew, a Christian, or a Magian.”
This narration highlights that while every individual is born with an innate inclination toward monotheism, external influences such as family, culture, and society can shape one’s religious identity, potentially veiling the original pure disposition.
Fitrah and Moral Consciousness
Beyond the recognition of the divine, fitrah also encompasses an inherent moral consciousness. It inclines individuals toward ethical behavior, compassion, and justice, serving as a foundational aspect of human morality. This intrinsic moral compass aligns with the teachings of Islam, which advocate for righteousness and the avoidance of evil.
The Impact of Environment on Fitrah
While fitrah denotes an innate predisposition toward recognizing and worshiping Allah, it can be obscured by environmental factors, societal norms, and personal choices. Islamic teachings assert that although individuals are born with this pure nature, their surroundings and upbringing can influence their beliefs and behaviors, either nurturing the fitrah or leading them away from it.
Reawakening the Fitrah
Islam encourages practices that purify and reawaken the fitrah, such as reflection, seeking knowledge, and engaging in acts of worship. These practices are believed to help individuals return to their original, untainted state, fostering a genuine connection with the divine.
Conclusion
The concept of fitrah in Islam parallels the Christian notion of sensus divinitatis, emphasizing an inherent human inclination toward recognizing and submitting to the divine. It underscores the belief that faith in Allah is a natural aspect of human existence, with external factors playing a significant role in either nurturing or suppressing this innate disposition. Understanding fitrah offers insight into the Islamic perspective on human nature, morality, and the universal quest for spiritual fulfillment.
Categories: Psychology
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