[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I don't believe you understood the question.

On what grounds are human beings not equal in the eyes of the Creator beyond gender?

While yes, we have differences, but even with those differences, there is an equality as it relates to the value of a human being in comparison to another in God's eyes. For example, two sinners are pleading before God in repentance and desire to obey the Gospel. Which is more valuable in God's eyes? Or... are they equal in God's eyes? If they aren't equal in God's eyes, please explain the inequality.

Universality of application of God's rules concerning justice, pardon, etc does not translate to "equality" or "equal value". I already pointed that out.

Value has already been defined, and you and others have been asked to define exactly what "equal value" means in regards to people. I already took the definitions of "equal" and of "value" and showed how it is simply not true that ALL are of "equal value". I also pointed out that differences in relative valuation do NOT equate (!) to a valuation of "zero" for any particular person.

The concept of equal value and equal rights are part and parcel of the humanistic theories of "natural rights" codified by Rousseau, Locke, Hobbes, and others. And, that theory supposes that "men in a state of nature are political equals with equal rights, or prerogatives" until they invent governments by "mutual compact", and cede certain of those rights to government officers in order to "preserve" the remainder of their rights.

The problem is, the whole theory is founded on a falsehood. There never was such a "state of nature" in which all men had all authority, nor were societies and governments created by a compact of said persons in a "state of nature". Furthermore, the theory is unbiblical. Scripture does not teach this illusory supposed history of man or government.

The modern concept of social and political equality derives entirely from this humanistic philosophy. The modern concept of "rights" is based on and a natural product of the theory, and the theory being null and void, erroneous, and unbiblical, so are its conclusions.

Biblically, man is invested with certain obligations. These obligations create "rights" in that if you are commanded to do something, you obviously have "the right" to do it. Also, man is obligated NOT to do certain things, which likewise create "rights". For example, the prohibitions against theft and coveting what is another's creates the property interest or "rights" that your neighbour has in his stuff.

Some obligations are universal, and thus the corresponding rights are universal. But not all obligations are universal, and thus not ALL rights are universal. Furthermore, rights and privileges can be given or taken away by God, via either Providence or through the mediation of the state (criminals, for example, lose many rights). As stated previously, there are certain preconditions that affect what rights, privileges, and obligations various persons have.

As for value, two persons with differing valuations may have the same rights, while two persons with equal valuation may NOT have the same rights. The whole "equal value" claim is, in reality, a baseless emotionally appealing feel good statement that in all actuality has no correspondence with reality.

As defined by the actual meaning of the term "value", the Bible is clear beyond contention that some are valued differently than others. Not just individuals, but entire nations, tribes, families, etc. And this difference in the Divine valuation often leads to differential treatment. Clearly, God treated Israel differently than the Canaanites. And this differential treatment extends to "rights" granted (or revoked) by God. All the Canaanites lost all rights, period, including the right to exist. And this was applied to all of them without exception, including their infants!

Which, if the humanistic doctrine of equal value, equal rights, etc were true, then God is a despotic anti-freedom tryant who violates rights all day long. And therefore, God is unjust, because He treats men other than as they OUGHT to be treated.

So the conclusion must be that the humanistic doctrine of egalitarianism is incorrect. And therefore, Christians ought to rethink how they understand the concepts of rights, value, etc.