In the Declaration of Independence it says:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Our forefather belief in human rights was based on the belief that God endowed men with those rights. Without God, is there a self-evident truth that all have a right to life, freedom and happiness? It seems like the answer would be “no” because rights would be a product of the evolution of a society’s opinions about the status of a human. Each society or person is free to choose what they believe on that topic. In my opinion it would be more likely that the laws of survival of the fittest actually govern human life, and it would be delusional to create mythical “rights.” If you reject the "mythical" idea of God, are you willing to reject the "mythical" idea of universal human rights? If not, why not?
2007-02-12 19:16:06 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Because unlike the Deists who founded this country, I know that humanity is perfectly capable of "humanity" WITHOUT complying with moral behavior solely out of fear of punishment from any deity.
2007-02-12 19:18:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Human rights? Yes. The idea of god? No. This country guarantees freedom of religion which includes freedom from religion.
2007-02-13 03:20:48 · answer #2 · answered by nicewknd 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm an atheist, but I think you'll find most atheists have never thought about why 'rights' should only apply to other humans.
If we are animals (which I do believe) why don't other animals have rights? Why are we 'special'?
It's clear why theists think we're special, but why do the atheists?
This atheist gives these rights to all sentient beings, but I clearly don't speak for the other atheists.
I think they will dodge the question, but can't wait to see...
2007-02-13 03:26:40 · answer #3 · answered by Bad Buddhist 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋