The Theological Foundations of Religious Liberty in the Thought of John Locke and James Madison

Authors

Edward M. Yager, Western Kentucky UniversityFollow

Abstract

Religious liberty is an important human right supported by both religious and secular m:guments. This work explores John Locke's Letter Concerning Toleration and James Madison's Memorial and Remonstrance and identifies a common theological or religious argument supporting religions liberty as the requisite means to satisfy the duties of conscience to the Creator. Since individual duty and accountability to God is a shared premise among theistic faith traditions, this approach to advancing religions liberty and religious pluralism may have broader appeal and utility to reformers in faith traditions not especially responsive to secular arguments.

Recommended Citation

Yager, Edward M. (2015) "The Theological Foundations of Religious Liberty in the Thought of John Locke and James Madison," Commonwealth Review of Political Science: Vol. 3: No. 1, Article 1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61611/2994-0044.1015
Available at: https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/crps/vol3/iss1/1