Our Founders distinctly recognized this, and as a result empowered equal — inalienable — rights as granted by God. Moreover, as Dr. Vedder explains, we are all unique — each given individual gifts from God. Thus, we have equal rights to use our gifts; but certainly not equality, since by default of each individual being unique, we all will accomplish different goals and levels in life.
In 1891, Pope Leo XIII addressed this notion head-on, in response to Communist activities of the late 19th century. "Neither justice nor the common good allows any individual to seize upon that which belongs to another," declares Leo, "or, under the futile and shallow pretext of equality, to lay violent hands on other people’s possessions." Pope Leo is rightfully and artfully tying together the evil push for material equality with the fundamental right to property. He continued by aligning his argument directly to God’s purpose, writing, "No man may with impunity outrage that human dignity which God Himself treats with great reverence."[2] He is directing his argument to the communists, but his same argument applies to collectivists today.