The Bible does not explicitly discuss “human rights” as we understand them today, since the concept of universal human rights is a relatively modern idea. However, the Bible does provide principles about how human beings should treat one another, and many of these align with modern ideas about human rights.
At the heart of a biblical view of human rights is the idea that all people are created in the image of God and thus have inherent value and dignity. Genesis 1:27 states: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” This affirms the fundamental equality and worth of all human beings. From this perspective, factors like race, class, gender, or social status do not impact a person’s inherent value.
The Bible promotes the concepts of justice and compassion that form a basis for human rights. God’s laws given in the Old Testament frequently defend and protect the vulnerable in society – the poor, the orphaned, the widowed, the foreigner (see Exodus 22:21-27, Deuteronomy 10:17-19, Isaiah 1:17). The prophets boldly condemn injustice and oppression of the weak by the strong (Amos 5:24, Micah 6:8). Jesus’ teachings and actions reflect a special concern for the poor, outcast, and marginalized in society (Luke 4:18-19). Respecting human rights can be seen as a way to promote the biblical values of justice, fairness, and compassion.
Some specific human rights principles that align with biblical teaching include:
- Life and dignity – The Bible depicts human beings as made in God’s image with intrinsic worth (Genesis 1:26-27). The commandment not to commit murder affirms the sanctity of human life (Exodus 20:13).
- Equality – There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female in Christ, according to Galatians 3:28. God does not show favoritism or partiality (Deuteronomy 10:17-19).
- Justice – God is said to execute justice for the oppressed and God’s people are called to do the same (Psalm 103:6, Micah 6:8). Justice is a key virtue.
- Freedom from oppression – God is one who sets the prisoners free and lifts oppression (Psalm 146:7, Luke 4:18). There are stern warnings against denying justice to the poor (Isaiah 10:1-3).
- Fair judicial process – Biblical law demands due process, just judgments, impartiality, and prohibiting false testimony (Deuteronomy 16:18-20, 19:15-21). Accused persons are to be considered innocent until proven guilty (Deuteronomy 17:6).
At times, the Bible describes the proper ordering of society in ways that support human freedom and flourishing. For example, the Year of Jubilee legislation provided for the freeing of slaves, remission of debt, and returning property to its original owners (Leviticus 25). The prophets condemn the powerful who create injustice in society. The biblical vision promotes community life where people’s basic needs are met and human dignity is respected.
However, the Bible does not present a fully developed system of human rights as we might conceptualize them today. There are practices and norms described in the Bible that do not align with modern sensibilities about rights, such as patriarchy, slavery, and capital punishment. Interpreters debate how to apply the Bible’s moral vision to contemporary human rights discourse. Christian ethicists argue we must distinguish between culturally-bound norms and transcendent moral principles in the biblical text. Overall, the Bible provides a moral framework that upholds the value of human life and supports the protection of human dignity, from which notions of universal human rights have developed.
Old Testament Teachings on Human Dignity and Justice
The Old Testament provides a foundation for human rights thinking by asserting the equal dignity of all people before God. All human beings – male and female – reflect God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27) and include the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged in society. God’s concern for justice is seen in God’s compassion for the orphan, the widow and the alien (Deuteronomy 10:18), and in God’s commands to Israel to care for the vulnerable.
Key Old Testament teachings upholding human dignity and rights include:
- Murder is forbidden (Exodus 20:13) because human beings reflect God’s image.
- Justice and impartiality are commanded, denying justice to no one (Leviticus 19:15).
- Kings and rulers are warned not to mistreat the poor and to “defend the cause of the poor and needy” (Psalm 72:4, Proverbs 31:9).
- God “secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy” (Psalm 140:12).
- Israel is called to love foreigners and aliens as they love themselves (Leviticus 19:33-34).
The prophets frequently condemned Israel’s leaders for enacting laws and policies that oppressed the poor and vulnerable. Amos cries out against those who “trample on the heads of the poor” and “deny justice to the oppressed” (Amos 2:7). God says through Isaiah: “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees…making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless” (Isaiah 10:1-2). The biblical emphasis on protecting the poor and powerless often prefigures modern concerns for human rights.
New Testament Affirmations of Human Value and Equality
The New Testament continues the strong biblical theme of upholding human worth and dignity. Several key New Testament passages provide a foundation for human rights thinking:
- Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This verse teaches fundamental human equality before God.
- James 2:1-13 – This passage condemns favoritism and teaches that the poor should be treated with as much dignity as the rich.
- Matthew 25:31-46 – Serving the vulnerable (“the least of these”) is equated with serving Christ himself. Concern for those in need is emphasized.
- Luke 4:18-19 – At the start of his ministry, Jesus says he has come “to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” This manifesto upholds liberation from oppression.
New Testament writers do not explicitly argue for human political rights as we might understand them today. However, the New Testament ethos values human dignity, equality, justice, and concern for the disadvantaged in a manner that intersects with modern human rights discourse. The example of Jesus and the early Christian community models caring for those society neglects and challenging structures of inequality and domination.
Human Rights Themes in the Biblical Narrative
Throughout the biblical narrative, we see God’s concern for upholding human dignity and setting right injustice. Biblical scholar Christopher Wright argues the overarching storyline of the Bible fosters several human rights-related themes:
- Human dignity – Made in God’s image, human beings have intrinsic worth.
- Justice – The prophets model speaking truth to power and challenging injustice in society.
- Fairness – Biblical laws command impartiality and fair treatment of rich and poor.
- Compassion – Scripture mandates care for the vulnerable: the orphan, widow and alien.
- Freedom and liberation – The Exodus models God liberating the oppressed from slavery. Jesus frees from spiritual oppression.
So although the Bible does not lay out a system of human rights, its overarching message reinforces their theological basis and ethical importance. The biblical depiction of God’s character and will promotes human flourishing by upholding love, justice, and liberation from oppression.
Human Rights in the Law and the Prophets
Biblical laws and prophetic oracles provide two lenses for assessing human rights themes in Scripture. Mosaic Law contains civil laws designed to protect the vulnerable and ensure justice in society. For example:
- Judges are prohibited from showing partiality to either the rich or poor (Leviticus 19:15).
- Just weights and measures are mandated in business dealings (Leviticus 19:35-36).
- Kidnapping to enslave or exploit someone is punishable by death (Deuteronomy 24:7).
- Permanent household slaves are to be freed after 6 years (Exodus 21:2).
While some laws reflect the cultural norms of the time, they sought to shape a society where the rights of the poor were upheld and justice prevailed. The prophets go further in denouncing corruption and oppression of the weak:
- Amos condemns the wealthy trampling on the poor and turning aside the needy (Amos 2:6-7).
- Isaiah rebukes those who enact unjust laws and rob the fatherless of their rights (Isaiah 10:1-3).
- Ezekiel denounces princes who accept bribes and priests who oppress the poor (Ezekiel 22:29).
- Micah demands social justice, especially for the disadvantaged (Micah 6:8).
The combination of biblical law and prophetic proclamation depicts a society where the human rights and dignity of all people (rich and poor) should be protected.
Human Rights and Biblical Justice
A biblical view of justice is closely tied to human rights principles. In Scripture, justice means more than punishment for wrongdoing. Biblical scholar Nicholas Wolterstorff argues that justice in the Bible means “the active intervention on behalf of those who suffer unjustly.” From this perspective, promoting biblical justice and human rights are closely aligned activities.
Key connections between biblical justice and human rights include:
- Upholding human dignity and worth, since all bear God’s image.
- Defending the cause of the powerless and needy.
- Taking action to right injustices in society.
- Promoting impartiality and fairness for rich and poor alike.
- Speaking out against corruption and abuse.
- Creating social systems and structures that protect the vulnerable.
The biblical call to “do justice” intersects significantly with efforts to advance human rights around the globe today. Working to right injustices through structural changes can be understood as an important way to live out biblical values in today’s world.
Objections and Qualifications Regarding Biblical Human Rights
Some object that the Bible should not be used as a basis for human rights, since the Bible exhibits culturally regressive ethics at points. For example, biblical texts assume the legitimacy of monarchy, accept some forms of servitude, and mandate harsh punishments that seem incompatible with human rights today.
In response, theologians emphasize distinguishing the Bible’s culturally-bound norms from its transcendent values and principles. The biblical text itself portrays an unfolding moral awakening across time regarding God’s ideal ethic. Christians should read Scripture through the lens of Jesus’ example and teachings, which often challenged ingrained social norms of his day. While every biblical text must be assessed carefully according to its context, overarching biblical values align with the concern for human dignity and social justice embodied in human rights.
In applying biblical principles to human rights today, Christians should consider insights from philosophy, ethics, international law, and political science as well. Scripture provides an essential starting point but not the only word on human rights theory. Christians affirm God is at work through all truth from whatever source it emerges. Biblical values complement other ways of defining and grounding human rights claims.
Support and Critique of Human Rights from a Biblical Perspective
Christian ethicists generally affirm a biblical basis for human rights while offering principled critiques of how human rights ideals become enacted today. Theologian J. Milburn Thompson notes key intersections and tensions:
- Human rights emphasis on human dignity affirms the biblical view of the sacredness of human life.
- Concern for justice and ending oppression aligns with prophetic ideals.
- The inclusive scope of human rights for all persons worldwide resonates with biblical universalism.
- However, some argue human rights language too individualistic versus the biblical focus on community.
- Rights claims sometimes promote selfishness versus biblical commitment and responsibility.
- An absence of duties balancing rights differs from biblical ethics.
- Secular grounding of rights in human autonomy diverges from the theocentric biblical worldview.
In general, Christians strongly support the moral impetus of human rights but may critique how rights frameworks become applied. The biblical tradition offers essential theological and ethical foundations for global human rights while retaining a critical voice regarding various expressions of rights language today.
Christian Views and Contributions to Human Rights
Christian individuals and institutions actively contributed to the modern human rights movement. Key Christian contributions include:
- Natural law and natural rights – Theologians like John Locke and Hugo Grotius incorporated biblical ideas of moral law and justice into theories of universal human rights and social contract that influenced modern democracy and law.
- Abolition – Evangelical Christians were at the forefront of efforts to abolish slavery, upholding the God-given dignity and worth of every person.
- Progressive reforms – Christians like William Wilberforce fought against child labor, poor working conditions, and the exploitation of workers during the Industrial Revolution.
- Nonviolent social action – Leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. enacted Jesus’ nonviolent ethic in their quest for civil rights and human equality.
- Church statements – Official church pronouncements have endorsed human rights initiatives, including papal encyclicals, Vatican II, and World Council of Churches statements.
At times Christians have been on the wrong side of history regarding human rights. Overall, however, biblical values have provided strong motivation for supporting human rights causes. Continuing reflection helps Christians translate biblical principles effectively to address new human rights challenges today.
Applying Biblical Principles to Human Rights Issues
Biblical values and themes provide resources for Christian thinking regarding diverse contemporary human rights issues. Examples include:
- Poverty – The biblical concern for economic justice and care for the poor relates to rights regarding basic necessities, development, and food.
- Refugees – The Old Testament ethic of caring for the alien aligns with humanitarian policies toward refugees and asylum seekers.
- Women’s rights – The biblical affirmation of gender equality before God intersects with advocacy for women’s rights and dignity worldwide.
- Children’s rights – Jesus’ example of welcoming children supports children’s rights against exploitation, harm, discrimination and injustice.
- Disability rights – Healing narratives combined with the biblical view of human dignity support equal rights for those with disabilities.
Informed use of Scripture provides a moral framework and theological basis for Christians to engage critically and constructively with human rights issues today. Biblical principles help orient believers toward defending human dignity and the rights of the vulnerable worldwide.
Conclusion
The Bible provides a treasury of moral and theological wisdom that sustains and motivates Christian engagement with human rights issues. Core biblical themes such as human dignity, justice, liberation, compassion, and equality align closely with the concerns of the modern human rights movement. While the biblical text reflects the cultural norms of its times, overarching values transcend particular social conventions to affirm timeless ideals. The example of Jesus and the early church models a commitment to inclusivity, service, and empowerment of society’s vulnerable. Christians draw from this rich biblical heritage as they seek to advance love, justice and human flourishing in today’s world through support of universal human rights.
