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THE FIRST WORD: TO BE HUMAN IS TO BE FREE

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 January 2016

Desmond M. Tutu*
Affiliation:
Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town

Abstract

In this essay, Archbishop Tutu explains how Christianity understands the inherent freedom, dignity, and human rights of each person to be a consequence of being created in the image of God. This idea contains radical liberative potential to challenge oppression and create structures for human flourishing. While Christianity has not always lived up to the liberative potential of its teachings, and too often has contributed to hatred, oppression, and violence, Archbishop Tutu argues, the power of religious voices remains essential in the struggle against oppression and for the protection of human dignity.

Type
SYMPOSIUM: CHRISTIANITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010. Reprinted by permission of the publisher; all rights reserved. 

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