A Common Theological Basis for Human Rights

Abstract

Seventh-day Adventists have contributed to Christian theology by a number of theological observations which had been either neglected or forgotten during the history of the Christian church. Some of these theological considerations, as will be argued in the next two chapters, have been helpful in the development of social concern. Others have had the opposite effect. Hence, through Adventist history, different theological emphases have led to inconsistency in the realisation of social ethics and, in particular, of the ethics of human rights. The aim of this chapter is, therefore, threefold. First, to pursue areas of theology through which Adventists could learn to be more consistent in their application of social ethics. Secondly, to investigate a common theological basis for human rights that Adventists share with other Christians, in order that a greater degree of understanding and cooperation can be initiated between Seventh-day Adventists and the wider community. Finally, to explore several theological aspects through which Adventism could contribute to the development of theology and ethics of human rights.