The Speak Life Podcast Can We Have Human Rights Without God? || Paul Blackham || SLP499
Jan 30, 2024
Paul Blackham, a theologian and church planter, dives into a thought-provoking discussion about the connection between human rights and faith. He critiques secular narratives surrounding rights, arguing they risk undermining intrinsic human dignity. The conversation highlights the philosophical roots of human rights in Christian thought and explores the implications of automation and societal value. Emphasizing storytelling, Blackham asserts that true compassion stems from an understanding of Christ's teachings, inviting listeners to reflect on faith's impact on our moral framework.
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Human Rights as Fiction?
- Yuval Noah Harari claims human rights and nations are fictional stories, not biological realities.
- Glenn Scrivener and Paul Blackham counter that this stance ignores the interpretive nature of reality and the Christian roots of human dignity.
The Fact-Value Divide
- The Enlightenment separates facts from values, denying intrinsic meaning in the world beyond empirical data.
- Paul Blackham argues this division is false; interpretation is unavoidable and rooted in a divine reality.
Christian Origins of Human Rights
- Human rights emerge from Christian theology giving inherent worth regardless of achievement.
- Removing God leaves society unable to sustain such dignity, leading to devaluation and despair.
