Abstract This paper explains that John Locke (1632-1704), who was English, was a scholar at Oxford University, a medical researcher and physician, a political operative, an economist, an ideologue and a philosopher whose thinking and writing still influences the U.S. today. The author points out that the conservative Christian movement's challenge to whether there is a constitutionally established separation between church and state is repelled by Thomas Jefferson's well-known letter of 1802 to the Baptists of Danbury, which describes "the wall of separation between Church and State" based on John Locke's concept of toleration. The paper concludes that some of Locke's more popular, even though not as philosophically profound, quotes are part of every day culture such as "I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.". Many quotes.
From the Paper "Locke's writings did not always carry the weight that they do today; indeed, even today, in England, Locke's native land, "...there is no public fanfare...you will find his portrait in the National Portrait Gallery, but demand is insufficient for a postcard to be on sale." But today Locke's writings are used by a diverse assortment of organizations to bolster or justify their positions. The National Rifle Association (NRA) uses the 137th paragraph of Locke's Second Treatise On Government as an authoritative source to bolster the NRA's position on the right to bear arms. "Whereas by supposing they have given up themselves to the absolute arbitrary power and will of a legislator, they have disarmed themselves, and armed him to make a prey of them when he pleases," Locke wrote."
Abstract This paper argues that the United States was not founded as a Christian nation and has a very old precedent for maintaining the separation of church and state. The author believes that much of the world's problems today are caused by fundamentalists of many religions attempting to impose their religious viewpoints on others. The paper concludes that it is paramount that the United States shift its viewpoint from the self-righteous and self-serving Christianity of George W. Bush and his former attorney general, John Ashcroft, to a more reasoned and neutral stance, adopting again the attitude of separation of church and state intended by the Founding Fathers.
Table of Contents
Historical Facts
Modern Times
Conclusion
From the Paper "What is most impressive about this letter is that, as early as 1801, the Danbury Baptists pointed out that civil government had no right to act except to forestall evil acts between men, a reasonable activity for any government irrespective of the specific religious beliefs of its people. They also were quick to point out that the very first specific issue added to the relatively non-specific Constitution was religion as the first clause of the first amendment. They also pointed out, however, that because this issue was handled as an amendment, and not as one of the 'inalienable rights' claimed in the body of the Constitution itself, it was regarded by them as a privilege."
