Evoking the Meaning of the Declaration of Independence: Human Rights and the Founding Vision

If you had to think of one document other than the Bible that is most easily quoted by people without thinking, it would be the Declaration of Independence.  The comparison to the Bible is apt.  Not that the Declaration of Independence is sacred in a religious sense.  However, this document has a place of honor in the hearts of the American people and in the founding history of this great country.

Although not the first words of the Declaration of Independence, these stirring words have a prophetic power that makes anyone who hears them instantly inspired by the beauty, poetry, and profound truths so beautifully expressed in that historic document.

We believe that these truths are 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.

One statement from the famous declaration so beautifully demonstrates some of the core principles that show why this document has had such a deep impact on the minds and hearts of Americans.  The statement that the truths in this document are indeed true is a profound one.  The United States Declaration of Independence shows that what is stated in those pages is a theory, a possibility, even a political ideology.  It is a truth that places it on the same pedestal as value statements often taught in religious settings.  Truths are eternal values and worth that are not changed by circumstances, by whoever or whatever is handling the government of the land or by the whims of lawmakers.  These truths are above the temporal ideas of the world and live in the plains of the eternal.  

Self evident is a powerful phrase and reflects the founder's belief in what is referred to as natural law.  Natural law is a belief system that there are laws that are part of our natural state of being and are inalienable (unalienable).  These laws are our rights as creatures of the Almighty and any system of government must recognize these laws as they are above government.  It is the basic belief system of the American system that ALL people are entitled to these rights and cannot be taken away.

The mention of the creator in the declaration of independence is very important because some argue that the separation of church and state shows that the government is essentially a secular institution.  Clearly the founding fathers did not lay the foundation of our country on that basis.  They saw the heritage that we have as Americans in terms of rights and freedoms as part of the heritage from God and as such, above government and something that government should leave behind and guard and defend.

The Declaration of Independence is truly a remarkable document especially when you consider the primitive state of the nation when it was written by Thomas Jefferson and signed on July 2, 1776 which became the backbone of the United States system of government.  It became an oft-referenced and quoted document, even becoming part of President Lincoln's famous inaugural address when he said with deep conviction

Four hundred and seven years ago, our fathers gave birth on this continent, to a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Because these words are such a deep part of American heritage, American history and the American spirit, they are often a very important centerpiece in the study of history in schools in this country.  That is why school children in every state are very familiar with these words.  

However, it's worth all of us taking the time once a year or so to pick up a copy of the Declaration of Independence and read it as a moment of personal or family reflection.  What a great Fourth of July tradition.  Then as you watch the fireworks that celebrate the birth of the country and its independence, you will take those words to heart to remind you that it was our creator who gave us freedom and independence and no one has the right to take it away.

The Declaration of Independence contains the belief that the rights listed in it come from the Creator, not from the government. The founding fathers believed that these rights were inherent in every individual by nature. By mentioning the creator, they emphasized that the government has no power to deprive these rights.

The importance of the separation of church and state in this context is to emphasize that the government should not impose a particular religion on its citizens. However, the recognition of the creator in the Declaration of Independence implies that the basis of the rights and freedoms expressed in this document derive from principles that are transcendental and transcend the realm of religion. In the view of the founding fathers, these human rights were not tied to any particular religious ideology, but were an integral part of humanity.

The Declaration of Independence as a historic document has an inescapable appeal in embracing the basic values of freedom and human rights. The words that accompany this document provide an inspiring message of equality, free living and the pursuit of happiness for every individual. While not sacred in a religious sense, the Declaration of Independence reflects principles that are respected, valued and fundamental to American society.

As one of the most important documents in American history, the Declaration of Independence plays a very significant role in shaping the country's national identity. It articulates the founding fathers' vision of human rights, liberty, and the importance of separating government from tyrannical authority. The statements in this document continue to be the moral and philosophical foundation of the United States of America.

By referring to the Declaration of Independence, one can easily quote and reference the key messages contained in the document. The evocative phrases in the declaration highlight the core principles honored in American society, ensure the protection of human rights, and provide a foothold against tyranny and oppression.

The Declaration of Independence and the Bible, despite significant differences in their nature, both hold an important place in the minds and hearts of Americans. The Bible, as a religious text for most Christians, contains spiritual values and moral teachings. Meanwhile, the Declaration of Independence symbolizes freedom, human rights, and noble ideals in American history.

Quotes from the Declaration of Independence are often used to strengthen arguments and explain the basic principles on which the United States is based. The phrases "all men are created equal" and "endowed by their Creator with certain Rights" lay the foundation for equality and human rights. These phrases have the power to inspire and motivate people to pursue justice, equality, and freedom.

The declaration's presence in American history reminds people of the importance of the universal values it embodies. The document reminds us of the nature and truth that transcends the boundaries of time and political context.