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Declaration Of Independence Essay

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The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in American history, capturing the ideals upon which our nation was founded, and the spirit of what it means to be American. Just as the motto “Christian Leadership to Change the World” is the heartbeat of Regent University, the Declaration of Independence is the heartbeat driving the United States of America. The three unalienable rights that the document espouses (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness) are at the core of what our great nation stands for. One right Thomas Jefferson inscribed into the text in June of 1776 stands above the rest - the right to life.

What is life? According to Webster, life is “an organismic state characterized by capacity for metabolism, growth, and reaction to stimuli”. Certainly true from a biological standpoint, life is far more than a scientific observation. Life is a gift from God. All human life is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and being “in Him” is what gives us our being (Acts 17:28). This is what provides our existence with meaning and purpose. Life intrinsically links us with the God of the universe. “Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). …show more content…

Life’s connection to God is what informs our decisions and gives us knowledge of what is good. Our value for life is what provides the basis of all other rights. Without a value for life, there would be no foundation for liberty; there would be no foundation for the pursuit of happiness. The right to life is the key that makes the others

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