Human Rights in the Name of God

This article is a study of the tension which arises because South Africa is a religious society within a secular state, or a secular state embedded in a religious society. The belief in God among Grade 11 students in the Johannesburg/ Pretoria region is investigated, and questions are posed as to the role belief in God plays in the formation of their attitudes towards human rights. Fundamental aspects of the relationship between belief in God and human rights are dealt with, students' belief in God is investigated and described, and finally, it is asked whether the students believe that there is a God of human rights.