• Human Dignity in Early Protestant Perspective

    Author(s):
    John Witte, Jr. (see profile)
    Date:
    2003
    Subject(s):
    Liberty
    Item Type:
    Book chapter
    Tag(s):
    Freedom of a Christian, Equality, Dignitatis Humanae, Cain and Abel, Image of God, International Human Rights, Rights and Duties, Martin Luther, Dignity, Freedom
    Permanent URL:
    http://dx.doi.org/10.17613/6mdx-cx68
    Abstract:
    This Article argues that Martin Luther's classic tract, Freedom of a Christian (1520) had a shaping influence on modern theories of human dignity, liberty, and equality. For Luther, the essence of human dignity lies in the juxtaposition of human depravity and human sanctity. Human dignity is something of a divine fulcrum that keeps our depravity and sanctity in balance. The essence of human freedom is our right and duty to serve God, neighbor, and self, and to do so with the ominous assurance of divine judgment. Human freedom is the divine calling that keeps our individuality and community in balance. While Luther did not draw out the radical implications of his theory for law, politics, and society, later Protestants did, eventually rendering Protestantism a formidable force for the construction of modern Western theories of law, liberty, and democracy.
    Metadata:
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    Published as:
    Book chapter     Show details
    Publisher:
    University of Notre Dame Press
    Pub. Date:
    2003
    Book Title:
    In Defense of Human Dignity: Essays for our Times
    Author/Editor:
    Robert P. Kraynak and Glenn Tinder
    Page Range:
    119 - 138
    Status:
    Published
    Last Updated:
    4 years ago
    License:
    All Rights Reserved
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