No human being or community likes to be imprisoned. On the contrary, liberty provides various opportunities in life to live with dignity and self-respect. Can human law take away liberty from a person that is so important in life? What happens if we lose our “free will?” Can social freedom be achieved without political rights?
Nowadays we see social unrest everywhere on television (TV) and internet on a daily basis, whether it is developed or underdeveloped country. After watching constant disturbance news on TV, we empathize and sometimes feel as if there is no solution to the problems?
Liberty was a major issue in the past throughout the world. However, many political and religious leaders fought for freedom. As a result, most of the countries in the 21st century have a democratic system of government, where people have the power, not the politicians. If so, why are we faced with unrest, especially in highly developed, and so-called “civilized” societies or countries? If the foundation is strong, then why few shaky incidences should trouble our lives?
Founding fathers of our democratic systems built their nations upon strong foundation and principles. United States of America (USA’s) founding fathers (“Fathers”), for instance, stated that “All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty, and pursuit of Happiness.” Fathers also stated in the Constitution that “to secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.”
Today in Washington, D.C., the nation’s first African American history museum was opened. The main theme of the opening ceremony and speakers was a reflection of ancestral “slavery” and “freedom” story in America.
History reminds us that the Fathers played a huge role in abolishing the slavery. John Adam, for instance, stated that “every measure of prudence, therefore, ought to be assumed for the eventual total extirpation of slavery from the United States. I have, throughout my whole life, held the practice of slavery in abhorrence.” As I read most of Fathers statements it appeared to me that they were all brought up in God-fearing environment. As a result, they refer God in most of their statements, and I think they were able to form a nation, which is unique in many ways.
Before the writing of the America’s Declaration of Independence (1776), and the Constitution (1789), many great religious leaders fought to abolish the slavery, which was deeply rooted for many years in human civilization since the beginning (Gen.21:10 KJV).
One such religious leader was John Wesley, founder of Methodism. In 1774, John Wesley states in his book “Thoughts Upon Slavery,” Liberty is the right of every human creature, as soon as he breathes the vital air; and no human can deprive him of that right which he derives from the law of nature.” I think no human law can take away our liberty unless we give it, and freedom comes with responsibilities. Any thoughts please share.