As a Christian conservative, the foundation of my political philosophy is deeply rooted in one of the most powerful and timeless phrases from the Declaration of Independence: “…all men are created equal… [and] are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” This profound statement not only acknowledges the inherent dignity of every human being but also defines the fundamental role of government in our lives. Government exists not to create or distribute rights but to protect those that are God-given. Any law, statute, or regulation passed by government should serve this purpose.

The God-Given Nature of Rights

The Declaration of Independence draws its strength from the self-evident truth that rights come from God, not man. “Unalienable rights” means they are not to be taken away or infringed upon by any earthly authority. As a Christian, I believe that all individuals are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), which means each person possesses an inherent value and dignity that should be respected and upheld by the government. Any government that seeks to redefine or diminish these rights steps into dangerous territory, usurping the role of the Creator.

This belief forms the bedrock of my political views: government is at its best when it operates with the humility and understanding that it exists to protect, not to give or take away, the rights already endowed by God.

The Purpose of Government: Protecting Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

The primary purpose of government is the protection of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—those rights explicitly mentioned in the Declaration. Any legitimate government must prioritize safeguarding these rights and freedoms.

1. Life: Every individual, born or unborn, has an intrinsic right to life. Abortion, for example, fundamentally violates the most basic of rights: the right to exist. From a Christian conservative perspective, laws must reflect the sanctity of life, protecting the most vulnerable in society, including the unborn, the elderly, and the infirm. The role of government here is clear—it must protect life at all stages because life is a gift from God.
2. Liberty: Liberty allows individuals to live out their convictions and faith without fear of oppression or coercion. Religious liberty, in particular, is a fundamental right that must be preserved. The state should never compel individuals to act against their deeply held religious beliefs or penalize them for practicing their faith. The current cultural and political climate, with increasing hostility toward religious expression in the public square, threatens this essential freedom. True liberty, however, does not mean freedom from responsibility, nor does it condone licentiousness. It must be balanced with moral and ethical boundaries rooted in Christian values.
3. Pursuit of Happiness: The “pursuit of happiness” does not merely refer to material wealth or personal pleasure; it refers to the ability to pursue a life that is meaningful, virtuous, and in alignment with one’s God-given purpose. Happiness, from a Christian perspective, is found in living a life of righteousness and fulfillment according to God’s design. The government should create an environment that allows individuals to pursue this higher purpose, free from unnecessary interference, excessive taxation, or overregulation that stifles individual initiative.

Limited Government: Power in the Hands of the People

Since the role of government is simply to protect God-given rights, it follows that government should be limited in scope. Expansive government intervention into personal lives, businesses, and religious institutions is a threat to liberty. Government must exercise its power with restraint, adhering to the principles of federalism and the separation of powers enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. When the government exceeds its mandate and begins to dictate how people should live, think, or worship, it violates the very rights it was established to protect.

The Founders understood the dangers of concentrated power, which is why they structured our republic to limit government through checks and balances. We should be wary of any movement toward a centralized authority that seeks to replace individual responsibility with state control. The more power is centralized in the hands of a few, the greater the likelihood that our God-given rights will be trampled.

Law and Justice: Upholding Morality

A society that abandons moral law invites chaos and tyranny. From a Christian perspective, laws must be rooted in moral truths that reflect God’s commandments. Justice is not merely about fairness; it is about ensuring that human dignity is respected, that the innocent are protected, and that the guilty are held accountable. Policies and legislation should be evaluated based on whether they align with God’s moral law, which guides us in discerning what is right and just.

The rise of moral relativism in today’s culture has led to a dangerous redefinition of concepts such as justice, freedom, and rights. We must hold fast to the truth that certain moral laws are immutable because they are grounded in the nature of God Himself. A society that rejects these absolutes is one that risks losing its moral compass entirely.

Conclusion: Filtering Politics Through a Biblical Lens

As a Christian conservative, I view all political issues through the lens of Scripture, as well as the Declaration of Independence and its assertion that all people are created equal, endowed with unalienable rights by their Creator. This belief shapes my understanding of the role of government as a protector of those rights. From the sanctity of life to the defense of liberty and the pursuit of moral happiness, I stand firmly on the principle that government must operate with humility and restraint, always acknowledging that rights come from God, not man.

We must remain vigilant, advocating for laws and policies that honor this truth, for only by doing so can we ensure a free and just society that respects the God-given dignity of every individual.