Human Rights
Nature Of Rights
Evolution
Dates back to Plato and Aristotle, didn’t believe all people were equal,
Aristotle-“Treat equals equal and unequals unequally”
Aquinas’s natural Law aided in “establishing basic and natural rights of man” when
Hobbes and Locke applied it to human rights
“Natural rights” are rights which all humans are entitled to, Hobbes stated it was
humans natural right not to be harmed by another human. Locke went further to
include personal freedom, freedom to worship and right to own property.
Hobbes believed it was governing authorities responsibility to protect natural rights.
Locke’s teaching influenced America and France and by the end of the 18 th century
basic human rights were guaranteed for citizens.
1791-Thomas Paine – “all men are born equal with equal natural rights” These rights
are universal and absolute.
“It becomes my duty to guarantee as well as possess”
Christian Views
We are all created in the image and likeness of God.
Luke wrote for the gentiles so therefore Jesus brings salvation for all so rights should
be universal.
For Christians issue of human rights can be summed up in 3 words:
1. Dignity
a. Means worthy in Latin therefore all human life has worth and intrinsic
value as it is created by God.
b. All life is unique in the eyes of God.
c. God is the author of life, and all life is sacrosanct “Your hands shaped
me.”
2. Equality
a. Acts of the Apostles- “God shows no favouritism”
b. In the Golden Rule Jesus stated “do to others what you would have
them do to you” conveying we deserve equal treatment and should
treat others equally.
3. Responsibility
a. It is Christian responsibility to alleviate suffering especially those who
are denied basic human rights.
b. St. Paul comments on Christian duty to help those in need, he uses
the imagery of a the body to stress unity and diversity- “if one part
suffers every part suffers with it”.
Secular Perspective
Nature Of Rights
Evolution
Dates back to Plato and Aristotle, didn’t believe all people were equal,
Aristotle-“Treat equals equal and unequals unequally”
Aquinas’s natural Law aided in “establishing basic and natural rights of man” when
Hobbes and Locke applied it to human rights
“Natural rights” are rights which all humans are entitled to, Hobbes stated it was
humans natural right not to be harmed by another human. Locke went further to
include personal freedom, freedom to worship and right to own property.
Hobbes believed it was governing authorities responsibility to protect natural rights.
Locke’s teaching influenced America and France and by the end of the 18 th century
basic human rights were guaranteed for citizens.
1791-Thomas Paine – “all men are born equal with equal natural rights” These rights
are universal and absolute.
“It becomes my duty to guarantee as well as possess”
Christian Views
We are all created in the image and likeness of God.
Luke wrote for the gentiles so therefore Jesus brings salvation for all so rights should
be universal.
For Christians issue of human rights can be summed up in 3 words:
1. Dignity
a. Means worthy in Latin therefore all human life has worth and intrinsic
value as it is created by God.
b. All life is unique in the eyes of God.
c. God is the author of life, and all life is sacrosanct “Your hands shaped
me.”
2. Equality
a. Acts of the Apostles- “God shows no favouritism”
b. In the Golden Rule Jesus stated “do to others what you would have
them do to you” conveying we deserve equal treatment and should
treat others equally.
3. Responsibility
a. It is Christian responsibility to alleviate suffering especially those who
are denied basic human rights.
b. St. Paul comments on Christian duty to help those in need, he uses
the imagery of a the body to stress unity and diversity- “if one part
suffers every part suffers with it”.
Secular Perspective
