The human spirit’s need for freedom is deeply rooted in our inherent desire for autonomy, self-expression, and the pursuit of meaning and purpose in life. Every individual possesses intrinsic dignity and worth, which is universally recognized in philosophical, religious, and cultural traditions. This inherent value of people calls for the freedom to make choices, express oneself, and live authentically. The Bible provides foundational principles that have influenced the development of human rights. Here’s how human rights and the Bible are interwoven:
The Image of God (Imago Dei): One of the most significant biblical contributions is the concept that all human beings are created “in the image of God“1NIV New International Version Translations (Genesis 1:26-27). This implies an inherent dignity and worth in every person, regardless of their social status, wealth, gender, or any other characteristic or disability. If all humans bear God’s image, then all are fundamentally equal in God’s eyes, providing a strong basis for universal human rights. This idea counters any justification for discrimination or the dehumanization of others. The “Imago Dei” is often cited as the reason for the biblical prohibition against murder (Genesis 9:6), as taking a human life is seen as defiling God’s image.
The Old Testament law contains numerous provisions demonstrating God’s concern for justice and the protection of the vulnerable. This includes laws regarding:
- Fair treatment of foreigners/strangers: “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” (Exodus 22:21).
- The Bible repeatedly calls for special care to protect widows, orphans, and the poor (Deuteronomy 15:7-11, Proverbs 31:8-9).
- Prohibitions against delaying, withholding, and/or economic exploitation of wages (Leviticus 19:13).
- Impartial justice: “Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent.” (Deuteronomy 16:19).
- The prophets consistently condemned injustice, oppression, and the exploitation of the poor, calling God’s people to righteousness: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8).
- Jesus emphasized the “Golden Rule” – “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12) – which is a direct call to treat others with respect and fairness, implicitly recognizing their inherent worth.
- Jesus’ ministry consistently focused on the poor, the sick, the outcast, and the oppressed. His parables (like the Good Samaritan) and actions demonstrated radical compassion and challenged societal norms that diminished the value of specific individuals or groups.
Human rights emerged early in the Bible. You can start your search in the Book of Exodus. It is a narrative of liberation from oppression, which can be interpreted as a foundational account for the human desire for freedom. Jesus also spoke of bringing liberty to the captives (Luke 4:18).
(Luke 4:18) – “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.”
While the term “human rights” is relatively modern, Christian thinkers, particularly during and after the Reformation, contributed to the development of ideas about natural law and individual conscience. John Locke, for example, whose ideas heavily influenced the American Declaration of Independence, drew on a Christian worldview of personal rights.
It’s important to note that direct “rights language” as we understand it today is not explicitly found in the Bible. The Bible often uses the language of “obligations” (what people should do for others) rather than “rights” (what people are entitled to). However, the core biblical principles of human dignity, justice, compassion, and the equal value of all people before God have profoundly shaped the moral and ethical landscape that eventually gave rise to the concept of human rights.
These principles have been interpreted and expanded upon by theologians, philosophers, and human rights advocates to support the notion that all people are entitled to certain fundamental rights and freedoms. Freedom allows individuals to express their thoughts, emotions, and creativity. It enables people to pursue their passions, explore new ideas, and make meaningful contributions to society. Without freedom, the human spirit can feel stifled and constrained.
Freedom also remains closely tied to moral and ethical responsibility. When individuals have the freedom to make choices, they also bear responsibility for the consequences of those choices. This sense of accountability is essential for personal growth and the development of a just and compassionate society.
It is from this historical baseline that we can begin to understand that the pursuit of happiness and the fulfillment of life are fundamental aspects of the human experience. Freedom provides the opportunity to seek out what brings joy and satisfaction, whether through personal relationships, career aspirations, or other endeavors. The human spirit’s need for freedom fosters resilience and adaptability. When faced with challenges and obstacles, the ability to make independent decisions and act empowers individuals to overcome adversity and thrive.
Today, most of us are familiar with the notion of “human rights.” We use this concept to explain what sorts of privileges or entitlements should be afforded to us merely for being born human. Typically, we attach the word “inalienable” to these rights, meaning that they cannot be given or taken away by other human beings. Some of these include the right to life, the right to freedom, and the right to pursue happiness, among others.
Conclusion
In the name of human rights, we decry the outrage of genocide and condemn countries that deny women the opportunity to receive an education. It is from our roots as a Christian Nation that these rights are, indeed, universal and inalienable. As early as the Mayflower Compact, signed in 1620, our early settlers laid the groundwork for self-governance based on a commitment to God. Later, Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” was published on January 10, 1776. It would further establish the moral and intellectual cornerstone for the American Revolution. Paine dedicated a significant portion of Common Sense to dismantling the idea of kingship, drawing heavily from the Old Testament books of Judges and 1 Samuel.
Paine cites the story of the Israelites’ demand for a king from Samuel (1 Samuel 8). He argues that God explicitly warned the people through Samuel about the oppressive nature of kings, how they would exploit their subjects, take their sons for war, and levy heavy taxes. Paine presented this as God’s “protest against monarchical government.” Paine also references the story of Gideon (Judges 8), who, after delivering Israel from the Midianites, was offered hereditary rule by the people. Gideon famously replied, “But Gideon told them, I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you. (Judges 8:23)” Paine uses this to demonstrate that even a successful leader chosen by God rejected the concept of a hereditary monarchy.
Paine argued that all people are equal at creation, and therefore, the distinction between kings and subjects is artificial and ungodly. This aligns with the biblical concept of Imago Dei (image of God), which implies inherent dignity and equality for all humans. Paine declared, “But where, say some, is the King of America? I’ll tell you, friend, He reigns above, and does not make havoc of mankind.” This statement directly reflects the Old Testament idea that God alone is the ultimate sovereign and king, and earthly kings are at best flawed and at worst tyrannical usurpers of divine authority. He suggested that if America were to have a “king,” it should be “the Law,” resting upon “the Divine Law, the Word of God.” As Thomas Paine said long ago, and as our God has proclaimed throughout history, humanity’s rights come from Him, our Creator.
Contemplations
- The “Image of God” (Imago Dei) is presented as the cornerstone of human dignity and equality. How does fully embracing this concept challenge societal norms and personal biases in today’s world?
- Items to Explore: Consider a current social issue (e.g., immigration, disability rights, racial inequality, poverty, LGBTQ+ rights). How might a deeper understanding of Imago Dei alter prevailing attitudes or policies regarding this issue? What specific biblical passages beyond Genesis 1:26-27 further illuminate this concept?
- The study highlights the Old Testament’s emphasis on justice and protection for the vulnerable (foreigners, widows, orphans, and the poor). In what practical ways can our communities and churches better embody these ancient biblical mandates in contemporary society?
- Items to Explore: Identify specific ways your church or community currently addresses (or fails to address) the needs of the vulnerable mentioned. Brainstorm concrete, actionable steps or new initiatives that could be implemented, drawing inspiration directly from the Old Testament laws and prophetic calls for justice.
- Thomas Paine drew on Old Testament narratives (1 Samuel 8, Judges 8) to argue against monarchy and in favor of self-governance, aligning with the idea that God alone is the ultimate sovereign. How does this historical example challenge us to critically examine modern power structures and advocate accountability, even within democratic systems?
- Items to Explore: Reflect on how the principles Paine drew from the Old Testament (God’s sovereignty, rejection of human idolatry of power, inherent equality) can be applied to contemporary political leadership and systems. What are the “modern monarchies” or unquestioned power structures that need to be held accountable? How can individuals, as “the people,” ensure that those in authority truly serve rather than exploit, mirroring the warnings given to Israel about kings?
- This study notes that the Bible uses “obligations” more than modern “rights language.” How does understanding our obligations to others, rooted in biblical principles, ultimately strengthen the concept and practice of human rights in society?
- Items to Explore: If everyone focused on their biblical obligations (e.g., loving their neighbor, acting justly, showing mercy, and protecting the vulnerable), how would this transform the pursuit and enforcement of human rights? Discuss whether a society built on mutual obligation might inherently create a more just and rights-respecting environment than one focused solely on individual entitlements. Consider specific examples where fulfilling an obligation directly translates into upholding someone’s rights.
- 1NIV New International Version Translations