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The Founders’ declaration that our rights are "endowed by our Creator" stands as one of the most profound statements in the Declaration of Independence. The exact quote reads:
"We hold these truths to be 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."
This choice of words was intentional and transformative, firmly rooting the concept of rights in natural law rather than in human authority. By declaring that rights come from God, not governments or kings, the Founders established a foundational principle: rights are intrinsic to human nature and cannot be arbitrarily taken away by any ruler or state. This was a bold rejection of centuries of monarchic rule, where rights were often seen as privileges granted—or revoked—by the governing elite.
Why Did the Founders Emphasize a Creator?
The Founders lived in an era steeped in the Enlightenment and Judeo-Christian traditions, which both emphasized the inherent dignity of the individual. The Creator they referenced was not specific to a particular denomination but rather pointed to a universal truth about the source of human worth. By invoking the Creator, they appealed to a higher authority that transcended human institutions. This was critical to justify their rebellion against Britain, asserting that King George III had violated rights not bestowed by him, but given by God.
The Timeless Significance
By anchoring rights in the Creator, the Founders provided a moral foundation for government. They envisioned a nation where the role of government was to secure these God-given rights, not to define or diminish them. This belief forms the basis of limited government, a key principle of the American system, where the power of the state is constrained by the fundamental liberties of individuals.
The language of the Declaration still resonates today, reminding us of the timeless truth that freedom is not a grant of man but a gift from God. It challenges each generation to recognize and defend these "unalienable rights" with the same vigor and faith as the Founders. Let us pause this Thanksgiving and give God thanks for our rights, freedoms and liberties. Join the mission of The 917 Society to educate our youth about our Constitution and Founding Principles at www.917society.org
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