When Thomas Jefferson penned the words, “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,” he framed a vision that would define the United States. These words from the Declaration of Independence are among the most iconic in American history, often quoted as the bedrock of our nation’s values. But how “self-evident” is the idea that all people are created equal? A closer look at nature, history, and the cultural context of the Founding Generation suggests that this truth is far from obvious—and its origins may lie in a source many overlook: the Christian faith.
Nature’s Inequality vs. the Idea of Equality
If we observe the natural world, the notion of equality doesn’t leap out at us. In fact, nature often highlights inequality. Humans vary widely in physical attributes—height, strength, beauty—and in intellectual capacities, talents, and abilities. Some are born with exceptional gifts, while others face significant challenges from birth. If anything, nature seems to emphasize differences, not sameness. So where did Jefferson and the Founding Generation get the idea that all people are created equal?
The answer lies not in the observable world but in the philosophical and spiritual framework that shaped their thinking. For the Founders, the concept of equality wasn’t derived from empirical observation but from a deeper belief: that every individual is endowed with inherent worth by their Creator. This idea, revolutionary in its implications, didn’t emerge in a vacuum. It was deeply rooted in the Christian worldview that permeated the culture of 18th-century America.
The Christian Foundation of Equality
The New Testament, in particular, provides a theological basis for the equality of all people. One striking example is Colossians 3:11 (CSB), which states, “In Christ there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all.”
This passage, along with similar teachings throughout the New Testament, emphasizes the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of social status, ethnicity, or background. In a world divided by class, race, and power, these words were radical. They laid the groundwork for the belief that every person is equal in the eyes of God—a belief that would eventually shape the moral and political ideals of the Founding Generation.
This Christian influence is evident in the Declaration’s assertion that rights come from a Creator, not from human institutions or natural hierarchies. The idea that every person possesses “unalienable Rights” to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness reflects a worldview where human value is grounded in divine creation, not in worldly status or ability. While the Founders drew on Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, the concept of equality they embraced was filtered through a distinctly Christian lens, one that saw every soul as equally precious in God’s sight.
The Imperfect Application of a Revolutionary Idea
Of course, the Founding Generation’s commitment to equality was far from perfect. The same men who proclaimed that “all men are created equal” lived in a society that tolerated slavery, restricted voting rights, and marginalized entire groups based on race. This glaring contradiction between principle and practice is a stain on their legacy. Yet, it’s worth noting that the ideals they articulated laid a foundation for future generations to challenge these injustices. The Declaration’s words became a rallying cry for abolitionists, suffragists, and civil rights activists who sought to hold America accountable to its own stated values.
The imperfections of the Founders don’t negate the significance of their contribution. By declaring the idea of equality as a God-given truth, they planted a seed that would grow over time, inspiring movements to expand liberty and justice to all. The Christian belief in the equal worth of every individual, rooted in scriptures like Colossians 3:11, provided a moral framework that made such progress possible.
Why This Matters Today
In our modern world, the idea that all people are created equal is often taken for granted, as if it’s a universal truth that everyone naturally accepts. But history and nature tell a different story. Without a foundation like the one provided by the Christian worldview, the concept of equality might not have taken root in the way it did. As we navigate contemporary debates about justice, rights, and human dignity, it’s worth remembering the spiritual origins of these ideas. They remind us that equality is not just a political principle but a profound moral conviction—one that calls us to see every person as bearing the image of their Creator.
The words of Jefferson and the biblical teachings that inspired them continue to challenge us. They push us to bridge the gap between our ideals and our reality, to strive for a world where the equality of all is not just proclaimed but lived out. The Founding Generation may not have fully realized this vision, but they gave us the tools to build on their foundation. It’s up to us to keep constructing.
