The Declaration of Independence

C4K,

Am doing some looking through Amos's book now but most of it seems to rest on Christian influences through the 18th century rather than Biblical history. One mention that I've long wanted to read but have put off is John Locke's First Treatise on Government where he also argues against divine right of kings in which he supposedly argues from the Bible. Didn't really find anything re rights specifically in Sidney's book.

 

Roger,

I'm afraid I haven't much to contribute, though. There was a section within one of Amos's chapters citing Biblical references on consent of the governed but nothing substantial on the subject of rights. I wasn't able to find my copy of the Adams pamphlet, but I suspect it had more to do with religious freedom, than the subject you've raised.

It makes me wish I was in graduate school with access to Nexus/Lexus or some such search engine that checked academic journals because I'm sure there are some excellent articles there on this issue.

Well past time to hit the hay on this side of the big pond. Have a great day there.

Gene

 

Biblically, yes they are. All people ARE created equal. That does not, however, mean that all people are created the same. I think that's what you were getting at, though.

Good point. The D of I states that all people are endowed by their creator with certain rights, among which are life, liberty, and the PERSUIT of happiness. Now, the D of I was not guaranteeing these rights. Rather, it was making a statement accusing the Crown of denying the colonials of what they felt were inalienable rights (that is, rights that men are not allowed to take from other men).