I consider Locke as one of the designers of American government that the Founders followed in building our system. John Locke argued against the exercise of any governmental effort to promote or to restrict particular religious beliefs and practices. http://www.constitution.org/jl/tolerati.htm — A Letter Concerning Toleration that begins: “Since you are pleased to inquire what are my thoughts about the mutual toleration of Christians in their different professions of religion, I must needs answer you freely that I esteem that toleration to be the chief characteristic mark of the true Church. For whatsoever some people boast of the antiquity of places and names, or of the pomp of their outward worship; others, of the reformation of their discipline; all, of the orthodoxy of their faith — for everyone is orthodox to himself — these things, and all others of this nature, are much rather marks of men striving for power and empire over one another than of the Church of Christ. “ He ends the Letter: “These things might have been explained more largely and more advantageously, but it is enough to have hinted at them thus briefly to a person of your parts.” http://www.sparknotes.com/philosophy/johnlocke/section2.rhtml — Spark Notes summary of Locke’s Two Treatises of Government that argue against the divine right of kings then urge his philosophy of government. Locke’s second Treatise of Government in various formats, including for the iPad and Kindle: John Locke's life and involvement in political movements is very interesting. He wrote a variety of books, including commentaries on the letters of St. Paul. My chart of the Enlightenment thinkers' relationship chronologically.
|
