John Locke, Freedom of Religion & America

Englishman John Locke (1632—1704) is arguably our most influential modern thinker. He is regarded as the leading light of several signal movements, without which the modern era would be inconceivable, including—Classical Liberalism (modern Conservatism), Property Rights, the Enlightenment, Libertarianism, Empiricism, Natural Rights, and Freedom of Religion, etc

Locke enjoyed notable friendships and debates with some of the leading figures of his day, including Isaac Newton, Robert Boyle, 1 Lord Shaftesbury Ashley Cooper, etc. Locke was also deeply religious, a Christian, and undertaking a lifelong study of theology and biblical commentary. One author describes his influence

John Locke was a 17th-century English philosopher whose ideas formed the of liberal democracy and greatly influenced the American Revolution. He taught all people are born equal and education can free people from the subjugation of tyranny. Locke believed government was morally obligated to guarantee individuals always retained sovereignty over their own rights, including property ownership via from their own labor

A political player condemned by the Crown, Locke exiled himself to Europe until 1689, when he wrote his masterpiece, Essay Concerning Human Understanding. Locke returned to England after King James II fled and William was crowned William III (aka the Glorious Revolution). He then published his most important works, A Letter Concerning Toleration (1689), Two Treatises on Government (1690) and Some Thoughts Concerning Education (1693)

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