CHRISTIANITY AND UNIVERSAL VALUES: CHRISTIANITY & THE WORLD Series 10

Christians believe that God has given every human being a unique dignity that should not be violated by anyone and has called all to the responsibility of protecting human rights and the social conditions necessary for human fulfillment. Although Christians generally accept the central tenets of the UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human Rights), though never without qualifications, they do not consider this universal document as superior to the values of the word of Jesus Christ and Lord Father found in their scripture. Even though it is impossible to neglect the laws of the modern world to follow the rules of the Bible and Christianity, there are still people who prefer to walk the path taught by the Bible instead of blindly following the laws of the modern world. Therefore, interpreting human rights as the ultimate source and versatile foundation of societal life is objectionable and dangerous. Many people in various parts of the world acknowledge that their traditions have the leading authority in their social life and interpersonal relations over secularized human rights standards.

Still, although a summary statement that reflects the deepest aspirations of the world's peoples, the UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) is the cornerstone for religious and secular leaders to build a system of law that will help promote, respect, and enforce human rights. Regardless of human rights or religious values, uniting and interconnecting civil and political, economic and social, individual and collective human rights can provide a harmonious social life on national and international levels. In simpler words, whatever works in protecting human life and security is what the global human rights system needs.