The "my rights" argument does not work on 3 levels.

1. Metaphysically. Only in deism (Enlightenment thinking) can one posit that God gave man rights in an autonomous manner--as if man then became an independent bearer of rights, as if man was a god with rights independent of God.

In classical theism, God is actively bestowing existence on all things and that includes rights--these rights do not exist apart from God who sustains all things moment by moment.

2. Anthropologically. Man is a social being and thus all rights are defined or circumscribed in terms of social relationships. Man, by nature, is not an island unto himself.

3. Theologically. ONLY GOD HAS RIGHTS. No man has rights in and of himself.

Those going around talking about rights independent of God--e.g, the Right customarily does this with property rights and the Left with regard to morality (moral relativism)--are acting like gods.

It

is understandable when the unbeliever asserts his "rights" in an autonomous manner because He does not recognize the nature of reality (metaphysics), man (anthropology), or God (theology). In fact, it is expected that he would make himself like the Most High.

However, it inexcusable for the Christian to think like the unbeliever--especially when such an attitude risks damaging his testimony for the Lord and the health of others, which he is commanded to love (Mat 22:37-40).