The spiritual comes into play whenever men seek in freedom something real beyond themselves. To be sure, the grade of spirituality is measured by the object sought, but regardless of this fundamental question of depth and order, wherever men agree…

The spiritual comes into play whenever men seek in freedom something real beyond themselves. To be sure, the grade of spirituality is measured by the object sought, but regardless of this fundamental question of depth and order, wherever men agree in freedom, there is a common bond among them which expresses and engenders spiritual energy. (22)

Source: The Spiritual Significance of the United Nations 1

Faith | United Nations | Western Thought |

In general, man is either viewed as wholly derivative from his social and material conditions, including his animal nature, or is regarded as possessing an original human nature which enables him, through reason and freedom, not only to exploit and…

In general, man is either viewed as wholly derivative from his social and material conditions, including his animal nature, or is regarded as possessing an original human nature which enables him, through reason and freedom, not only to exploit and control his material world, but even to rise above himself. The only proper way of reconciling conflicting interpretations is by viewing them from a higher standpoint, whereby they assume a natural order. This is possible in this case only on the basis of freedom. The philosophies which stress freedom and the spirit are surely able also to give our material needs their proper due; but the philosophies which sink man in the darkness of the subhuman are never able to do justice to freedom. (280)

Source: Human Rights in the United Nations 3

Human Rights | United Nations |

If we have our rights, God also has His rights over us; and in vain shall we seek our rights until we recognize in all humility the dominion of God over the course of history and of human life. (279)

If we have our rights, God also has His rights over us; and in vain shall we seek our rights until we recognize in all humility the dominion of God over the course of history and of human life. (279)

Source: Human Rights in the United Nations 2

Faith | Human Rights | United Nations |

…the Western World has not so far articulated a sufficiently dynamic message in the economic, social, and cultural field that will fire the imagination of the non-Communist rest of the world. The Communist message in this regard still exerts a…

…the Western World has not so far articulated a sufficiently dynamic message in the economic, social, and cultural field that will fire the imagination of the non-Communist rest of the world. The Communist message in this regard still exerts a strong pull. The problem for the Western world therefore is whether, maintaining and even strengthening its fundamental respect for man and his freedom, which is undoubtedly the most important thing, it can nevertheless summon sufficient boldness of thought and action to convince the rest of the world of its willingness and ability to lead it into an age of plenty, equality and justice. (278)

Source: Human Rights in the United Nations 1

Communism | Human Rights | United Nations | Western Thought |


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