--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The idea of formulated 'rights ... comes…" description: "\"“The idea of formulated 'rights ... comes not from John Locke and Thomas Jefferson ... but from the canon law of the Catholic Church. ”\" — Thomas E. Wo..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0aa/thomas-e-woods-jr-29802_catholicism_the-idea-of-formulated-rights-comes-not_1646662.jpg" --- # The idea of formulated 'rights ... comes not from John… ![“The idea of formulated 'rights ... comes not from John Locke and Thomas Jefferson ... but from the canon law of the Catholic Church.” quote by Thomas E. Woods Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0aa/thomas-e-woods-jr-29802_catholicism_the-idea-of-formulated-rights-comes-not_1646662.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0aa/thomas-e-woods-jr-29802_catholicism_the-idea-of-formulated-rights-comes-not_1646662.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0aa/thomas-e-woods-jr-29802_catholicism_the-idea-of-formulated-rights-comes-not_1646662.jpg) > ““The idea of formulated 'rights ... comes not from John Locke and Thomas Jefferson ... but from the canon law of the Catholic Church. ”” [Thomas E. Woods Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-e-woods-jr/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Rights stem from Catholic canon law, not Enlightenment philosophers, challenging common historical narratives. **In simple terms:** Rights have religious legal roots. Key Takeaway Re‑examine historical sources of rights. Themes history law religion political theory Mood analytical critical Type theoretical historical When to use this quote - law school - debate - public policy - education Key Concepts canon law John Locke Thomas Jefferson human rights Questions to Reflect On - How does this view change your perception of rights? - What evidence supports each side? 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