If Human Rights Aren't God-Given Then You Have None

If I were to say that I think our most basic rights are granted by God, would you think of me as an “extremist”? Probably not. You may be surprised to learn that some people in places of influence today would.

A few days ago an article appeared in Politico warning the world of the dangers of Christian extremists wanting to take over and rule America as an oppressive theocracy — or something like that. The writers are well-aware that if you put the words “Trump” and “Christian Nationalism” in a headline, the sweaty palms of triggered readers can’t click on it fast enough.

The article put in scare quotes a principle advocated by an influential conservative group (prepare to be shocked): “Freedom is defined by God, not man.” They referenced former Secretary of State — and wild-eyed Christian zealot — Mike Pompeo, who in 2019 formed a commission to define human rights in accordance with “natural law and natural rights.” (I’ll give you a moment to collect yourself.)

Also in scare quotes are the words of a close pal of Trump who heads a conservative think tank. He actually once wrote in Newsweek that the American view of “rights and duties is that they are understood to come from God.” UN. BE. LIEVEABLE, am I right?