The Source of Human Dignity

Even many atheists are concerned about the dignity of human beings, but we cannot look at ourselves to find the basis for our dignity. Today, R.C. Sproul explains that human dignity is derived from God Himself.

The humanist argues that man’s dignity is intrinsic. The Christian maintains that man’s dignity is extrinsic. Now, what’s the difference? What’s the difference between a dignity that is intrinsic and a dignity that is extrinsic? Well, an intrinsic dignity would be a weightiness or a significance or an importance that’s built-in. To say that man has dignity intrinsically is to say that dignity goes with our humanity. It’s part of the given of our humanity. And it’s precisely at that point that the humanist labors with that problem of origin and destiny. Because again, if the origin is in indignity and the destiny is indignity, how can we say that the present state of man carries intrinsic, built-in dignity? Where did it come from?

Christianity is equally if not more concerned about human dignity. The agenda of the church has always been and must always be a passionate concern for human dignity. Yet, Christianity teaches that human dignity is extrinsic. Which means what? That it’s not built-in; it’s not eternally found in the liver or in the bloodstream; but rather our dignity is derived. It’s dependent. It’s been assigned to us by God.