A Letter Concerning Toleration Analysis and its Relevance Today John Locke’s “A Letter Concerning Toleration” lays out an argument explaining the need for the separation of church and state with religious tolerance as the foundation of society. Locke defines religious toleration as the acknowledgement of an individual’s right to believe, and practice the faith of their own choosing. Toleration does not imply acceptance, but simply allowance; it is the ability to allow individuals around you to practice their faith. Locke views religion as an individualistic choice, one that should not, and cannot, involve the interference of the State. The State’s only concern should be the preservation and protection of its citizens’ civil rights. Locke’s argument for tolerance as a guiding standpoint for society, should be applicable to our time, however it is not. With the recent political climate in the United States, an increase in the narrative for tolerance could be a step forward in unifying a politically divided the country.
Locke’s argument for the separation of church and state outlines each institution’s roles, powers, and more importantly, boundaries. Locke highlights this with his comparison of an individual’s distinctive needs as an embodied being versus their internal soul. He considers a church to be “a voluntary …show more content…
There is often a negative narrative towards religious minorities that politicians, who are members of the nation’s government, stand for and promote. This was evident in one of the main rally points in Donald Trump’s campaign platform, in which he called for a widely supported “Muslim Ban.” Although Locke allows for religious speech, Trump’s campaign was a promise of intended action towards banning Muslim immigrants from entering the United States. Trump’s discourse promoted intolerance and fuels
Locke’s argument for the separation of church and state outlines each institution’s roles, powers, and more importantly, boundaries. Locke highlights this with his comparison of an individual’s distinctive needs as an embodied being versus their internal soul. He considers a church to be “a voluntary …show more content…
There is often a negative narrative towards religious minorities that politicians, who are members of the nation’s government, stand for and promote. This was evident in one of the main rally points in Donald Trump’s campaign platform, in which he called for a widely supported “Muslim Ban.” Although Locke allows for religious speech, Trump’s campaign was a promise of intended action towards banning Muslim immigrants from entering the United States. Trump’s discourse promoted intolerance and fuels