In a recent editorial on Canada’s Burnaby Now (www.burnabynow.com) website, an editorial by Maurice Harting argues that human rights do not exist without religious belief. The editorial is written in response to a previous article seeking to abolish references to religion in Canadian schools in order to protect those of the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender community. Harting writes,
Most of Canadian criminal law, which serves the public in Canada, is based on religious beliefs (for example, that murdering someone is not acceptable is based on “thou shalt not kill” as one of the commandments God gave), however our laws are not adopted by everyone in Canada (there are those who murder in Canada).
Interestingly, even for those who oppose Christianity and its worldview, it is the Bible that has influenced society in such a significant way that even those who disregard God and his laws are protected to live in their sin and rebellion because of the influence of His word. The homosexual community opposes Christianity and the God of the Bible, but in so doing neglect to realize that the very freedoms they are given to indulge in their sinful behavior exist in their western culture because of a Judeo-Christian frame work that is the basis for Western law.
The author cited above goes on to argue, “human rights don’t trump, but our religious beliefs were and are the basis for the human rights we now enjoy in Canada.” Human rights are not a proper base or even principle for an ethical system, but they do serve as a significant rule that is born out of a Judeo-Christian mindset. The Bibilcial worldview emphasizes the principles of d love, justice, and the value of human life. Certainly, this ethical system that emphasizes love and justice emphasizes the commands of God as well as the love of God and in so doing condemns homosexual behavior. However, a proper understanding of love, justice, and the value of human life also leads civilization to desire human rights for all people such that even those living outside of God’s decree are entitled to be treated as human beings born in the image of God.
Certainly, some would argue that the Bible is not and should not be the standard for establishing our ethical base, but those are yet to develop a better system. Certainly the Quran does not accomplish the task sufficiently; Hinduism falls far short as well. What then, secular humanism? If the individual is the only source of rule, then murder must become acceptable when it fits the necessary requirements of the individual contemplating the act. Those who oppose the rule of God and the people of God fail to recognize that the God who created them allows them to live in their sin and even extends his common grace to them in this life so that they may even experience some degree of pleasure in their sin. What a shame that a God of such grace and love would be castigated as hateful by those who hate him.
