On the Origin of Human Rights

Someone requested that I write more about American history and government, so here is the first of a series of articles. Thanks for the suggestion!

Where do human rights originate? The answer is clearly stated in our Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The founders clearly believed that our rights originated the Creator God. As our Creator, he grants us certain rights and only he has the authority to separate us from them; they are inalienable. Not only that, but through his revelation, we can identify what our rights are. The founders listed several that they considered to be most important. They are the Bill of Rights, the first eight amendments to the constitution. Just for good measure, they added the 9^th amendment:

The enumeration in the constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

There is a dangerous movement in our country however. When we reject God, we also reject the source of our rights as acknowledged in our Declaration. Some other source then has to be found.

Some look to government as the source of human rights. We can see this everywhere when poeple ask permission of government to go fishing, build an addition to their house, or purchase a gun. This is dangerous territory. If government can issue rights at will, it can also take them away at will.

Some look to the majority. Elections are held to grant rights to special groups (it is of note that elections are never held to grant rights to mankind; it is always a section of society). All we have to do is look at slave-holding societies to recognize that this is also not a safe source of human rights for all mankind.

Some look to nature. It sounds secure, as we are not looking to other human beings. However, the question arises, “How can we know what our rights are?” Unlike Jehovah God, nature has not left us a written revelation.

We are left with no source for identifiable inalienable human rights. Is it any wonder then that they are very rapidly being eroded? I believe that the only answer is to return to the One who grants us life and liberty. If we do not humble ourselves, turn from our sin and call on Him, we will continue to see human rights erode.

The Bill of Rights

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Amendment VII

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

    Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

 Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.