In this week’s article the notion of human rights and its interpretation as subjective and problematic when viewed from different contexts is examined by Litina M Achumi. We are made to reflect deeper on what Human Rights entails from a Christian standpoint, especially in the face of sensitive issues such as LGBTQ or even when it comes to freedom of religion.

The Biblical View on Human Rights

Human rights are rights given to humans simply by virtue of being human. It is a universal and absolute right. Human Rights are entitled to everyone regardless of where you are from, your gender, age, beliefs, race, colour without any mistreatment. Human rights are inherent; as they can neither be given nor be taken away by any human agency. Human rights are inalienable, however; rights can be suspended according to the specific situation with due process of law. 

The Bible doesn’t refer directly to the “inalienable human rights” but it is believed that human rights are deprived of God-nature and words. It begins with the biblical revelation of God. 

The Bible portraits the moral status of human beings in a high rank due to the declaration first made in Genesis 1:26-27 “Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” This sentence however can be interpreted in different ways. The Bible proclaims that we humans are made in his divine image and we see the character of God as just. So it can be understood that we are created with the intent of the same moral character as God. The exalted moral status simply because humans are made in God’s image can be compared to the definition of human rights being universal and inherent. 

What are the extents of the Bible where human rights can be understood? 

“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another.  The whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”(Galatians 5:13-14) This verse portrays Article 1 of UDHR “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” 

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and please the widow’s cause,” (Isaiah 1:17). 

“The King is mighty, he loves justice— you have established equity; in Jacob,you have done what is just and right.” (Psalm 99:4) 

In this context, it shows how humans should seek justice and fight for the justice of weaker ones. And give right judgement “The king” refers to God, loves justice and brings equity and rights to people. 

“For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”(Galatians 5:1) Humans are created in the image of God, and therefore should never be degraded by slavery or servitude. Christ died to set all humans free from the slavery of every kind. Right from  slavery and life can be seen in this context. 

“For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”(Galatians 3:26-28) These words of Apostle Paul express the unity and equality of human beings. And there is no classification between classes, status, genders or gender roles God for we are one in Christ and which is also seen in  Article 2 of UDHR. 

Despite the entire context shown in the Bible about human rights, there are still some areas where the Ideas of rights and the Bible are totally different. Like LGBTQ rights and freedom of religion. Coming to gay rights it is considered as a sin in biblical terms like in Leviticus 18:22 “Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin.” But if we look it at  the world view people are fighting for it and now there are countries that legalize LGBTQ rights or same-sex marriages. Talking about religious freedom the Bible is all about one God. According to the Bible one can only get salvation through Jesus Christ and worshipping other idols as sin. And freedom of religion doesn’t end with Christianity but it deals with all kinds of religion in the world, every religion considers their religion and their god as superior and true. 

So what do Christians have to say in it? 

In my opinion, Human rights are important but as Christians, I consider the Bible has my starting point. This, however, doesn’t imply me being a hater of LGBTQ or freedom of religion. Just because we don’t support or like something does not mean we have to hate it. People can’t go around hating and feeling disgust towards homosexuals because the Bible says it’s a sin. Homosexuality is considered a sin so is being an alcoholic, murderer, thief, liar, greedy, hypocrite and so on. The Bible considers all this as sin. Galatians 5:19-21,”Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envy, murder, drunkenness, reveling and such like; of which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”  A person who is homosexual doesn’t make the person’s sin bigger or because the other person is straight doesn’t make their sin smaller. 

Referring to the religious freedom in the Bible, God commanded not to worship other gods and idols in Exodus 20:2-6. However, when God created mankind he also gave humans Free Will. The will to make our own choice. The freedom of religion can be seen in the New Testament in Matthew 19:16-23, where after the conversation between the man and Jesus, the man went away sorrowful choosing not to follow Jesus. Jesus didn’t force the man to believe him but let him make his own choice. Faith is directed but never forced. And if God gives us the will to choose, we should allow others to choose too.

Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr Hewasa Lorin, Dr. Aniruddha Babar, Aienla A, Rinsit B Sareo, Meren Lemtur and Kvulo Lorin.
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