Showing posts with label Equality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Equality. Show all posts

Friday, July 4, 2025

The Not-So-Self-Evident Truth


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.

Saturday, April 1, 2023

The Illusion of Equality


Consider what Ludwig von Mises wrote:
“What is imperishable in man—his spirit—is undoubtedly the same in rich and poor, noble and commoner, white and colored.

“Nothing, however, is as ill-founded as the assertion of the alleged equality of all members of the human race. Men are altogether unequal. Even between brothers there exist the most marked differences in physical and mental attributes” (Liberalism: The Classical Tradition, p. 9).

The idea of equality has been a cornerstone of the United States, but the reality is that true equality is a myth. As Ludwig von Mises pointed out, human beings are altogether unequal, and even among siblings, there exist marked differences in physical and mental attributes.

It is important to note, that this reality does not mean that some people are superior and others inferior. Followers of Jesus believe that everyone is created in the image of God, and therefore, everyone not only has great value, but is also an essential part of our community. We need to embrace our uniqueness and recognize that we all have something to contribute to society and to the Church.

One way we can do this is by understanding that certain rights are universal, such as the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This is also true when it comes to salvation. Everyone is in the same boat and in need of rescue from Satan, sin, and death by Jesus. We are all equal in our need for salvation, regardless of our race, gender, or social status.

Another way we can embrace our uniqueness is by recognizing that we are all part of the same body of Christ. Each one of us has different talents and gifts that can contribute to the growth and health of the Church. Just as in a society, the division of labor enables productivity and prosperity, our differences enable us to work together and depend on one another for what we need.

What matters most is not a person's talents or achievements but their character. People of good moral character are the ones who can do the most good in this world, not the most gifted. We need to strive to be people of character who embrace our uniqueness and recognize our interdependence on one another.

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