Why do god-given rights need to be protected?

Nah. Just like today, the conflicts were about money and power. Also just like today, racism was used as a convenient proxy.

Surface tension and reactions are manifestations of the same underlying phenomenon. I’m certain that causing a change in one would also affect the other.

By “service” they probably mean something closer to “community service”: volunteering to help out your community and the people in need around you. Many people find it quite fulfilling.