Benchmark- Christianity and Natural Law & Rights Theory
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Feb 20, 2024
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Benchmark- Christianity and Natural Law & Rights Theory
Daniel Nunez
College of Humanities and Social Services, Grand Canyon University
Jus-104: Introduction to Justice Studies
Chris Crockett
September 17, 2023
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Benchmark- Christianity and Natural Law & Rights Theory
The development of the modern justice system has been profoundly influenced by various philosophical and religious traditions. Among these, Christianity stands as the major contributor, shaping the foundations of justice through its doctrine of natural law and rights theory (Smith,2010). The essay will explore the impact Christianity had on the creation of the justice system and talk about natural law and rights theory.
Christianity emerged in the Roman Empire time when legal systems were essential to bring order to society. Christians found themselves at odds with Roman law due to their refusal to worship Roman deities which then led to their being persecuted. However, as Christianity began to gain followers and influence, it played a role in shaping legal and ethical thinking. Christianity introduced a moral framework rooted in the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus Christ (Bible, Ex. 20:1-17). These principles emphasized concepts such as justice, mercy, and righteousness which can relate to the legal system as it was used as fundamentals.
Natural Law is the belief that certain ethical principles are inherent in human nature, accessible through reason, and applicable universally. It suggests that individuals possess inherent rights and obligations based on their nature as human beings. An example of natural in the justice system is the prohibition of murder, which is considered universal and applies across cultures and legal systems, reflecting a shared understanding of the inherent value of human life.
Rights theory posits that individuals possess inherent rights such as the right to life, liberty, and property. These rights are considered inviolable and are often enshrined in legal documents, like the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution. Religious freedom is an example of 2
the rights theory because it allows individuals to practice any religion without having to fear being prosecuted (Locke, 2003) reflecting the Christian belief in the freedom of conscience.
Natural Law and Rights theory have similarities as they both share the foundational values of Christianity. The sanctity of life, for instance, is central to all three. Christianity teaches
the inherent worth of every human being, which aligns with the principles of natural law and rights theory. They also have differences when it comes to the emphasis they have on each other.
Christianity often emphasizes moral duties and responsibilities, and natural law and rights theory
tend to focus on individual rights. This difference can be seen in the Christian emphasis on charity and forgiveness, which may not be as pronounced in secular legal systems.
Christianity has undeniably played a vital role in shaping the justice system primarily through its contributions to natural law and rights theory. The moral foundations it introduced, combined with the development of universal principles, have influenced the legal systems of countless nations. The enduring legacy of Christianity in the justice system reminds us of the intricate relationship between religion, philosophy, and the foundations of our societal institutions. It serves as a testament to intricate relationship between faith philosophy, and the institutions that underpin our societies. It challenges us to continually reflect on the values that guide our justice and the moral compass that steers our legal systems towards fairness, compassion, and equity.
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References
The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1983). Hodder and Stoughton.
Locke, J. (2003a, April 22).
Second treatise of government
. The Project Gutenberg eBook of Second Treatise Of Government, by John Locke. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/7370/7370-h/7370-h.htm
Smith, J. D (2010). Christianity and the Evolution of the Common Law
. University Press
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