Menseregte: Oorsig en uitsig

Abstract

In this paper an attempt is made to offer a survey of the present dis­ cussion of the issue of human rights. In the first place there is a ref­ erence to the traditional concepts of human rights, viz. the classic liberal, the Marx ist-Leninist (Socialist) and the Third World theories and their (pre-War and post-War) concrete embodiments in international, regional and national contexts. Subsequently the initial negative ap­ proach of the institutionalized churches and their later change in attitude - with special reference to the fundamental shifts in approach - are in­ vestigated. The Calvinist view of human rights is discussed within the framework of the recent debate among Afrikaans academics and politi­ cians. With reference to the viewpoints of Wiechers, Van Rooyen, Stoker, Jonker and Du Toit a version of views about the existence of a biblical framework for human rights is provided. The important publication of the Reformed Ecumenical Synod about the Scriptural grounding as well as its embodiment in a number of concrete human rights is discussed. Finally, some outlines are provided for a further development of the Scripturally founded view of human rights with reference to the Refor- mational ground rule of Reformats semper reformaiida est.