Imputed Rights

Book excerpt: Thoughtful and informative, this essay is an analysis of the basis and nature of human rights. Arguing that human rights is an issue that is often invoked but seldom intelligently considered, this record examines concrete, immediate, moral, and social issues, including birth control, taxation, welfare, private behavior, and military service. Noting the inadequacies of non-Christian positions—such as the radical-humanist, utilitarian, and self-realization approaches—this account develops an original thesis in which the absolute ground for rights is the will and grace of God.