Religion and Human Rights

Fabiano Schoenberg

Reading for October 15

 

1.      What "social transformation" and "paradox" are noted by John Langan in his brief article on Christianity and Human Rights?

 

The "social transformation" was the gradual exchange of the multiple God Roman religion for monotheistic Christianity.  After the Caesar Constantine converted to Christianity, it rapidly became the official religion during the reign of Theodosius (379-395). The "paradox" refers to the humble, revolutionary, free-thinking origin of Christianity vs. dominant, oppressive and dictatorial religions it became. Especially in the west, Christianity would preach love, tolerance and piety but practice hate, persecution and abuse of power.

 

2. According to Brian Tierney, what contribution was made by the Anabaptists and Baptists to religious rights and freedoms?

 

Beginning in the 16^th century, both Anabaptists and Baptists were against intimidating and forcing individuals in the name of religion. Following the British civil war they requested tolerance between the different protestant groups as well as for “Jews and Turks.” Roger Williams, a famous 17^th century Baptist and founder of the Providence colony in the new world went further. He asked for tolerance and respect for Roman Catholics. Roger Williams went further to request a “wall of separation” between religion and the state. This eventually became part of the first amendment of the United States Constitution.