Equality
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The distinctive
contribution of American Christianity to political philosophy is the belief
in legal equality. The Nazi Holocaust resulted from an exaggeration of a
centuries-old European tradition that exalted individuals to dictatorial
status while disparaging whole ethnic groups to subhuman status. America’s
view of legal equality, drawn from a Protestant Christian worldview,
rejected both of those traditions in principle.
Adhering to principle has always been difficult.
America’s critics assert that the principle of equality never really
existed, citing the apparent inapplicability of the Declaration of
Independence to slaves and women. Their assertion is wrong. The principle is
correct. It is the application of the principle that has been flawed.
Non-adherence to the principle of legal equality
has caused serious problems. About this, no one can rightfully argue. But,
rejecting the uniquely Christian principle of legal equality has caused far
more serious consequences for entire nations and peoples, consequences that
result in deprivation, oppression and even death.
The Meaning of
Legal Equality
As a practical matter, people understand equality
differently.
To some, equality means that everyone must have
the same opportunity. They see that inequalities must be manipulated to
assure that all persons who attempt to take advantage of opportunities have
equality in preparation.
To others, equality means that everyone should
have the same outcomes. They believe that society must manipulate the
factors that provide some with greater outcomes while others achieve less.
Essentially, some people are given benefits to improve their outcomes while
others are restricted so as to lower their outcomes.
Neither of these examples adequately defines
legal equality.
As used in the Declaration of Independence,
equality has a specific meaning. “That all men are created equal,” stems
from two important Christian theological concepts. All humans are created.
Humankind did not evolve into coincidental equal beings. One, all men are
equal because God created men equal. Disbelief in the Divine Creation of man
is disbelief in human equality, as the founding fathers saw it. Two, the
equality of men, as it has been traditionally understood, is based upon the
symbolism of brotherhood. The idea of brotherhood implies that we all have a
common father. Two people without the same father are not brothers. They may
be friends, but they are not brothers.
Equality has a definite theological meaning.
Equality, under God, means we all have an equal opportunity for salvation or
damnation. God’s law judges each person’s choice. Equality before God does
not mean an equal participation in God’s creation, but an equal application
of God’s justice.