The principle of human dignity is one of the core principles for the doctrines of ethics and Christianity. Also, it is the fundamental concept from which all the human rights derive, and the basis for social order. In brief, the phrase 'human dignity' refers both to self-respect and to the respect for the other human beings. According to some thinkers, dignity is very close to the concept of virtue or righteousness. As R. Harcum indicates, the etymological root of 'dignity' is 'worthiness', or intrinsic value: "The word dignity, from the Latin dignus, 'worthy,' means to have intrinsic worth, or excellence, or to be esteemed by others."(Harcum, 1994, p.101)
             The intrinsic worthiness of all human beings was first established by the Judaic tradition, which advocated that man was created in God' image, and therefore and therefore is worthy in himself, independently of his acts. In the Holy Bible, righteousness and moral integrity are the main attributes of man, and the main ethical principles: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied/ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God." (Matt. 5:6-9)
             The example of Jesus Christ who sacrificed himself for humanity in spite of its sinfulness offers a revelatory model for the idea of the intrinsic human dignity. The ten commandments given by God through Moses to the people of Israel, emphasize the human behavior that accords with dignity and righteousness. Also, other Christian principles, such as God's fatherly love for man independently of his actions, indicate that man is worthy and possesses all the good and moral qualities. Both the Old and the New Testaments bear evidence of God's care all men as equal beings with the same right to benevolence and salvation, no matter how poor, sick or sinful: "Religious literature itself is a rich sou...