Synopses & Reviews
When the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was drafted in 1945, French Catholic philosopher Jacques Maritain observed, "We agree on these rights, providing we are not asked why. With the 'why, ' the dispute begins." The world since then has continued to agree to disagree, fearing that an open discussion of the divergent rationales for human rights would undermine the consensus of the Declaration. Is it possible, however, that current failures to protect human rights may stem from this tacit agreement to avoid addressing the underpinnings of human rights?This consequential volume presents leading scholars, activists, and officials from four continents who dare to discuss the "why" behind human rights. Appraising the current situation from diverse religious perspectives -- Jewish, Protestant, Orthodox, Muslim, Confucian, and secular humanist -- the contributors openly address the question whether God is a necessary part of human rights. Despite their widely varying commitments and approaches, the authors affirm that an investigation into the "why" of human rights need not devolve into irreconcilable conflict.Contributors: Khaled Abou El Fadl Barbra Barnett Elizabeth M. Bucar Jean Bethke Elshtain Robert P. George Vigen Guroian Louis Henkin Courtney W. Howland David Novak Sari Nusseibeh Martin Palous Robert A. Seiple Max L. Stackhouse Charles Villa-Vicencio Anthony C. Yu
Table of Contents
Introduction : the "why" of human rights / Elizabeth M. Bucar and Barbra Barnett -- Why human rights needs God : a Christian perspective / Max L. Stackhouse -- Human rights and modern Western faith : an Orthodox Christian assessment / Vigen Guroian -- God and human rights in a secular society : a Biblical-Talmudic perspective / David Novak -- Islam and the challenge of democratic commitment / Khaled Abou El Fadl -- Enduring change : Confucianism and the prospect of human rights / Anthony C. Yu -- Natural law and human rights : a conversation / Robert P. George -- Religion, religions, and human rights / Louis Henkin -- The challenge of religious fundamentalism to the liberty and equality rights of women : an analysis under the United Nations charter / Courtney W. Howland -- The Israeli-Palestinian conflict of rights : is God the only problem? / Sari Nusseibeh -- God, the devil, and human rights : the South African perspective / Charles Villa-Vicencio -- What kind of God does human rights require? / Martin Palouš -- Religious freedom : a legacy to reclaim / Robert A. Seiple -- Afterword / Jean Bethke Elshtain.