Religious Texts On Human Dignity

“Respect for the value of human life and human dignity is a fundamental principle found in all religions.” The belief that all human beings, including children, deserve to be respected and treated with dignity—without discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, gender, socioeconomic status or other status—exists across traditions. Religious texts in support of this principle can be found in all seven major religions studied.

(source: CRC Study, p.20)

Bahá’í Faith:

“He Who is your Lord, the All-Merciful, cherisheth in His heart the desire of beholding the entire human race as one soul and one body.”

(Bahá’u’lláh, CVII)

Buddhism:

Some Buddhist groups believe that “All beings without exception have the Buddha nature”

(Mahāyāna Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra, or “Nirvana Sutra”)

Christianity:

Jesus gave very specific value to children. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

(Matthew 19:14)

Hinduism:

“God abides in the heart of every being.”

(Bhagavad Gita 18:61)

Islam:

“O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another.”

(Quran 49:13)

Judaism:

“So God created humanity in God’s image, in the image of God, God created them.”

(Genesis 1:27)

Sikh Faith:

“Human life is a priceless diamond; neglecting its value, we trade it for a mere shell.”

(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, pg. 156)