Do Humans Have Inherent Rights? - Tim Horman
Why We Need More Than Just 'Good Vibes' to Defend Justice
You know that feeling when the world just seems to be spinning out of control? The news is filled with stories of conflict, division, and people treating each other terribly. We often wonder, "What happened to common decency? What happened to justice?" This is exactly what Pastor Tim Horman explored in the latest message from our 'Questioning Christianity' series.
Based on his sermon, this blog post will dive into the big question of where our ideas of human rights and justice actually come from. We'll look at why a lot of the things we now take for granted, like equality and caring for the vulnerable, have deep roots in the Christian faith. And then, we'll ask some questions to help us think more deeply about how we can live out this message in our own lives.
You can listen to or watch the full sermon below.
Unpacking the Roots of Our Beliefs
Many people today believe that modern ideas of human rights and justice emerged in spite of Christianity, as we moved towards a more 'enlightened' and secular world. But as Tim pointed out, this isn't quite the full story. In fact, many of the values we hold dear—like the idea that every person is equally valuable—are uniquely Christian.
The sermon pointed back to a simple, yet profound truth found in the very first chapter of the Bible. In Genesis 1:26, we read that God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness...”
This single verse lays the foundation for everything. It tells us that every single human being, regardless of their background, beliefs, or abilities, is an image-bearer of God. Because we carry God's likeness, we have infinite worth. You simply can't put a price on a human life. This idea was revolutionary, especially in the ancient world where rights were reserved for the powerful, the wealthy, or a select few.
Tim shared a powerful quote from the sermon that really drives this point home:
“Because Christianity grounds our rights in the image of God, not in some other capacity or ability or quality… that means regardless of who you are or or the perceived quality or usefulness of your life, you have the same rights as everybody else.”
This is why, historically, Christian societies were the first to critique and eventually abolish slavery, led by people like William Wilberforce who acted on his Christian convictions.
How This Message Changes Our Lives
So, what does this have to do with our day-to-day lives? It changes everything. If our value comes from being made in God's image, it means we have no right to treat others as less-than. This isn't just a nice theory; it's a calling to live differently.
The sermon challenged us to think about how we engage with the world and with people we disagree with. In a culture where political divides are growing, it's easy to see opponents as enemies. But Pastor Tim reminded us that we are called to a higher standard, modelled by Jesus himself.
He used the example of Jesus’s own humility, quoting from Philippians 2. Jesus, though being God, didn’t use his power for his own gain. Instead, he “made himself nothing… taking the very nature of a servant” and died on a cross for us. This act of self-giving love is the opposite of the world's way of gaining power and control.
Here's another powerful quote from the sermon that's worth reflecting on:
“If the heart of your vision of life is a God who lays aside power in order to serve and love other people… then to the degree to which you understand that and are prepared to live according to it… you simply cannot be an oppressor or a tyrant who is going to seek to use your power to dominate other people.”
This is the beauty of the gospel. We don’t have to dominate or control others to prove our point. Instead, we can live with humility, grace, and truth, trusting that Jesus and his kingdom are our ultimate hope, not a political ideology or worldly power. We are called to love our neighbours and even our enemies.
A Final Thought: Putting Faith into Action
The sermon reminds us that true justice isn't just about fighting for what's right; it’s about a deep, abiding belief in the worth of every person, a belief that can only be truly grounded in the Christian faith. It's an invitation to step away from the fear and division that can so easily consume us and instead, live a life rooted in Christ's sacrificial love.
One Way to Live It Out This Week
This week, intentionally pray for a person or group you disagree with politically or socially. Instead of seeing them as a threat to be "eliminated," ask God to help you see them as an image-bearer and pray for their well-being.
A Prayer For your Week
Heavenly Father, thank you for making us in your image and giving every person infinite worth. Help us to see others as you see them, and to love our neighbours and even our enemies. Give us the courage to stand for justice with humility and grace, always looking to Jesus as our ultimate example. Amen.
Reflection & Discussion Questions
For Personal Reflection
How has the idea of being made in the image of God (Genesis 1) shaped your understanding of your own worth and the worth of others?
Thinking about the example of Jesus's humility in Philippians 2, where in your life are you tempted to use your own 'power' or influence for your benefit instead of for others?
For Small Groups
What's one thing from this sermon that really stood out to you, or that you're still thinking about?
Pastor Tim mentioned that some philosophers argued that rights should be based on cognitive ability. How does the Christian belief that all people are made in the image of God challenge this view?
The sermon argues that our ideas of universal human rights wouldn't exist without a Christian foundation. What are some real-world examples you see today of how this Christian idea is being challenged or even rejected?
Tim talked about how Christian societies have a unique ability to self-correct and self-critique. Why is this so important, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives?
What are some ways we can engage in political or social conversations without turning our opponents into enemies?
The sermon ended with the idea that our hope is in Christ's kingdom, not a political ideology. How does this perspective change how you view your involvement in politics or social causes?
The sermon mentioned that Jesus’s self-sacrificial love is the basis for a just society. How can we, as a group, practically live out this kind of love in our community this week?
Let's take a moment to pray. How can we pray for one another this week as we try to live out these truths?