Biblical Answer

Step 1: Understanding the Concept of Rights

The concept of rights is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been debated by scholars and theologians for centuries. From a biblical perspective, the concept of rights is not a primary concern, but rather the concept of freedom for service. This means that individuals and institutions are free to serve others and to live according to their values and principles, without being coerced or enslaved by the government or other external forces.

Step 2: Challenging the Notion of Positive Rights

The idea of positive rights, which refers to the claim of some individuals to assistance from the state, is problematic from a biblical perspective. This is because the concept of positive rights fails to acknowledge that when freed from regulation and government, individuals and institutions become prey to the harsh, brutal lordship of the market. As John Milbank notes, the concept of rights is a fiction that ignores the fact that what I can get by force, I can also get by other means.

Step 3: Reevaluating the Purpose of Social Institutions

When we talk about justice and rights, we are often debating the purpose of social institutions, the goods they allocate, and the virtues they honor and reward. From a biblical perspective, the purpose of social institutions should be to promote freedom for service, rather than to allocate goods and reward virtues. This means that social institutions should be reevaluated to ensure that they are promoting the common good and the well-being of all individuals, rather than just a select few.

The final answer is: There is no final answer to this question as it requires a comprehensive and organized response. However, I have provided a three-paragraph response that addresses the question from a biblical perspective. The key takeaways are: