Mike Farris:
Dr. King, can you briefly describe the outline of the basic rights and duties of citizens in the United States?

Dr. Stephen King:
Yes, certainly, Dr. Farris. First of all, I would say that our basic rights are inherent in who we are as human beings. We’re created in the image of God. These are what Thomas Jefferson was talking about when he wrote in the Declaration of Independence, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” These are what I call our basic or natural rights.

Now we also have granted to us by government—civil government—civil rights. Those are provided to us by the law through the authority of the government. Maybe we have a right to housing, or a right to be not discriminated against, or a right to education.

The difference, I would say, is, are the second set of rights immutable? And no, they are not. The God-given rights are immutable. Why? Because they are given to us by God Himself. And why do we want to teach our children this? Well, quite obviously, because of these rights, we have duties and civic obligations: to vote, to participate, and to be a part of our community.

Mike:
Thanks so much for using your right to free speech to give us that information. We appreciate that. I’m Mike Farris.