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Why an Understanding of Inalienable Rights is Important

Ed Noyes
Restoring the Heart of America
June 17, 2008

Humanity owes a great deal of tribute to Thomas Jefferson, who was chosen by destiny to write our “Declaration of Independence.” Jefferson, along with many of the other founders of our nation, took it upon themselves to study the history of governmental and political structures. Specifically, they studied the various forms of relationships that existed between the people and their government. The ancient Mosaic Law (the Law of the Covenant) was studied in depth along with many others, including ancient Greek cultures, the Anglo Saxon cultures, and the Roman political structures. Jefferson was so intent to understand these cultures that he even learned the ancient Greek language so he could more fully comprehend the essence of what political thinkers of that time were saying. One of the purposes of this intense study was to discover the fundamental principles of right governance and the nature of man (this term refers to men and women). The founders were intent to create a new, ideal government system that would naturally lead to the maximum, progressive development of society.

Of great significance was Jefferson’s study of the New Testament. Jefferson, who was a highly spiritual man, wanted to decipher the purity of Christ’s teachings. Not wanting to limit his understanding to current religious leaders interpretations of Christ’s message, he created his own “Jefferson’s bible.” He did this simply by cutting out of the New Testament (and pasting into his book) all passages that reflected the words of Jesus.

I am certain that Jefferson derived the essence of his understanding of inalienable rights from the words of Christ. When Jesus was asked if he was the “Son of God” He made a point of saying “ye are all sons of God”. He also said that we, the people, would do greater miracles than He did. Now that’s saying a lot!

Jefferson wrote: “We are endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Therefore, Jefferson was touching on the most revolutionary concept in history: that the relationship between the people and their government must be based (if reflective of natural law) on the divine nature of human beings. Because humans are divine, and divinely created, we naturally deserve to have governments serve us, and not the other way around. And, because we possess inalienable rights given to us by our creator, governments must not violate those rights.

The cognition by Jefferson of the inherent reality of the nature of man was the true “vision” of the founders. America was destined to be the nation that leads the world to this common re- “cognition.” Christ said “the truth shall set you free.” I am convinced this was not only a statement of a personal spiritual freedom, but also a more broad statement of the truth that when humans “woke up” to an understanding of their divine essence, that enlightenment would naturally lead to political freedom as well. It is easy to see why the founders referred to their collective aspiration of right government as a “divine science.”

Why an Understanding of Inalienable Rights is Important

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