The 9th Principle of Liberty from “The 5000 Year Leap”: Divine Law and Human Rights
In the seminal work “The 5000 Year Leap: A Miracle That Changed The World” by W. Cleon Skousen, the author outlines 28 principles that he asserts were foundational to the success and freedom of the United States. Among these, the 9th principle focuses on the divine origin of human rights, encapsulated in the idea that “to protect man’s rights, God has revealed certain principles of divine law.”
Understanding Divine Law
Skousen argues that the concept of divine law is central to the protection of human rights. He suggests that these laws, as revealed by God, serve as a higher moral and legal standard than any human-created law could be. This principle is rooted in the belief that rights are not granted by governments but are inherent, given by a divine creator. According to Skousen, this perspective was shared by the Founding Fathers, who saw these divine laws as a guide for both personal conduct and the structuring of government.
Historical Context and Influence
The notion of divine law influencing human rights can be traced back through various philosophical and theological traditions. Skousen references the Judeo-Christian tradition, where the Ten Commandments and other biblical laws are seen as divine statutes intended to guide human behavior and societal structure. The idea that rights are God-given was significant in the framing of American legal and moral philosophy, as reflected in documents like the Declaration of Independence, which speaks of “unalienable Rights” endowed by a Creator.
- Philosophical Underpinning: Skousen connects this principle to natural law theory, where rights are seen as part of the natural order established by God. This is discussed in relation to thinkers like William Blackstone, who posits that natural rights (like life and liberty) do not require human laws to be effective but are inherent.
Practical Implications
Skousen outlines that understanding human rights as deriving from divine law has several implications:
- Moral Accountability: It places a moral obligation on individuals and societies to uphold these rights since they are not just societal constructs but part of a higher order.
- Limiting Government: This principle suggests that government should be limited in its role, primarily acting to protect these inherent rights rather than to grant or take them away. This aligns with the constitutional framework of checks and balances designed to prevent government overreach.
- Education and Virtue: For Skousen, understanding divine law necessitates an educated populace, one that understands the moral and legal duties associated with these rights. This ties into the broader argument for education as a cornerstone of a free society, as mentioned in other principles within “The 5000 Year Leap”.
Modern Relevance and Critiques
While this principle has historical significance, it also faces contemporary critique and discussion:
- Secularism and Pluralism: In modern, pluralistic societies, the assertion that rights come from a specific divine source can be contentious. Critics argue that this view might not resonate with non-believers or those from different religious backgrounds, potentially alienating or marginalizing them in discussions about rights.
- Interpretation of Rights: There’s debate on how these “divine laws” should be interpreted in practice, especially in a world where legal systems are increasingly secular.
Conclusion
Skousen’s 9th principle from “The 5000 Year Leap” encapsulates a worldview where human rights are seen as divinely ordained, providing a moral and legal foundation for governance and personal conduct. This perspective, while historically influential in the founding of the United States, continues to provoke both reverence and debate in contemporary discussions about the nature and origin of rights. Understanding this principle involves not only acknowledging its historical role but also considering its implications in today’s diverse and often secular society.
References:
- Skousen, W. Cleon. “The 5000 Year Leap: A Miracle That Changed The World.” National Center for Constitutional Studies, 1981.