Meaning: The quote "Rights come from God, not from government" by Roy Moore, a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Alabama, expresses a fundamental belief in the source of human rights. This statement reflects a perspective rooted in natural law theory, which asserts that certain rights are inherent to human beings and are not granted by any earthly authority, including government. It also underscores the idea that these rights are transcendent and universal, applying to all individuals regardless of their nationality, culture, or political system.

The concept of rights deriving from a higher power, such as God, has deep historical and philosophical roots. It has been a central tenet in the development of Western legal and political thought, particularly in the context of the United States, where the Declaration of Independence famously proclaims that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights." This notion of rights being granted by a divine source has played a foundational role in shaping the principles of individual liberty and human dignity in Western societies.

From a legal and political standpoint, the belief that rights come from God, not from government, has significant implications. It implies that government is not the ultimate arbiter of rights but rather has a duty to recognize and protect preexisting rights that are inherent to individuals. This perspective places constraints on the authority of government and emphasizes the idea that individuals possess rights that are not subject to the whims of political power or majority rule. In essence, it serves as a philosophical basis for limiting the potential for government overreach and the infringement of individual liberties.

Furthermore, the assertion that rights come from God carries moral and ethical weight, as it suggests that there is a higher moral order that transcends human institutions. This view has been influential in shaping debates about the nature of rights, particularly in the context of religious freedom, conscience rights, and the protection of individual autonomy. It has been invoked in discussions about the limits of government authority in matters such as freedom of speech, religious expression, and privacy rights.

However, it is important to note that the belief in rights emanating from a divine source is not universally held. Secular and non-theistic perspectives on rights emphasize the role of human reason, social contract theory, and legal frameworks as the basis for the recognition and protection of rights. These perspectives often seek to ground rights in principles of human dignity, equality, and justice without relying on appeals to supernatural authority.

In contemporary discourse, the question of the source of rights continues to be a subject of debate and reflection. The quote by Roy Moore encapsulates a viewpoint that has been central to the development of legal and political theory, and it continues to inform discussions about the nature and foundation of human rights in a diverse and pluralistic society.

In conclusion, the quote "Rights come from God, not from government" by Roy Moore reflects a perspective that rights are inherent to individuals and derive from a transcendent source. This view has deep historical and philosophical roots and has implications for the relationship between individuals, government, and the moral underpinnings of rights. While it is not universally accepted, it has played a significant role in shaping the discourse on human rights and the limitations of government power.