In the wake of the attempted assassination on former President Donald Trump, something remarkable happened: politicians from both sides of the aisle and media outlets across the spectrum unanimously condemned the act as evil. This rare moment of agreement begs the question: does this widespread denunciation hint at a universal moral standard that goes beyond subjective opinions and political leanings?
Romans 2:15 (ESV) says, “They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them.” This verse suggests that our ability to tell right from wrong isn’t just a matter of personal or cultural opinion—it’s a reflection of a divine law that God has inscribed on our hearts.
But if we’re just the product of evolutionary processes, what makes this event, or any event like it, evil or wrong? Evolutionary theory might explain survival instincts, but it doesn’t easily account for our deep-seated sense of moral outrage. This instinctive reaction to the assassination attempt points to something bigger than ourselves, something that speaks to an inherent moral code.
Despite our differences, there is a reality about good and evil that bind us together. This shared moral compass is a powerful reminder that certain actions are universally condemned, not because society tells us to, but because of a deeper, God-given understanding of justice and righteousness.