Yes
and no.
Yes, the principles are 'correct' because they are chosen in the
original position. And there is no independent criterion to use in order to make sure
that they are 'correct.'
But if I'm right about Rawls' view of the
original position, we could also say that the principles are
'correct' because they are indirectly derived from deeply embedded ideas about justice
found in American culture. Perhaps you will agree with those ideas
and, as a result, find Rawls' principles acceptable. Give him
a chance.
And keep in mind that Rawls accepts the
existence of different world views ("comprehensive doctrines" as he
called them in his book Political Liberalism) as the
natural product of a free society. He hopes that theists like
yourself will find reasons to accept his principles in spite of
the fact that they are not based on theology
. He wants different
people with different world views to be able to accept
his principles.
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