You keep using the definition for law, a perfectly good definition but far another word. I am sorry if you do not approve of the accepted definition of right. Just say, "there is no such thing" and be done with it. But don't alter the definition, or add your baggage to it, and argue against it based on your new one.
Your main argument seems to be that you dislike the common definition of right because you believe it requires a god. This seems to be the root or your disregarding the definitions of the words used to define right, as well. If so, your premise may be summed up in your phrase:
You have the right to life. If God gave it to you, no mere mortal could take it away.
This has two points to refute:
- God gave it
You seem to believe that the words used in the definition, touching on morality, require some sort of higher external power. I must assume that you believe there is no basis for morality other than religion. You must admit, though, that this is not necessarily true, but is your personal view. Ideas of right and wrong could be based on any number of physical processes, such as genetics, or mental ones, such as logic. For example, might human antipathy to incest be based on genetics, not religion? Cannibalism? Even ideas of justice(fairness), goodness and honor? Don't argue against the definition because you assume it requires deism.
- no mere mortal could take it away
You seem to define a right as something which, if having any basis in reality, could not be violated. Why? Where does it say rights are things which cannot be violated or abridged? This is why I used "should", to emphasize that a right is not a contract with the universe. In requiring absolute inviolabilty, you are not debating the definition, you are adding to it. I assume that you are using this tack not to debate the definition, but to deny deism.
I tried to explicate why I believe your arguments are invalid. If I have misunderstood you I am very sorry and desirous of correction. I also hope I do not seem unkind, as that is not my intention. |
