1. Background on “A Letter Concerning Toleration”

2. Locke’s Background Respected law because father was a lawyer
Had strong Puritan background and strong religious convictions
In 1665, traveled to Cleves where he saw different religious sects living together in harmony
A crucial turning point in his philosophical development was a 1665 trip abroad to Cleves, (region of Northwestern Germany) where he observed a community of different religious sects living together in harmony
This experience may have challenged his ideas about the necessity of state-appointed religion

3. The Letter
Written to his Dutch friend Philip von Limborch (published by Limborch without Locke’s knowledge)
The letter was written against the backdrop of 17th century religious persecution all over Europe--the Reformation had split Europe into competing Catholic and Protestant camps, and civil wars and rebellions had arisen all over western Europe
Locke argues that more religious groups actually prevent civil unrest

4. Study Questions
What arguments does Locke give for tolerating religious difference?
How far does Locke think toleration should extend? Who is not to be tolerated, and why?

5. Application
How do Locke’s arguments fulfill philosophies of what we learned about The Enlightenment?
Do we see evidence of Locke’s philosophy in modern politics—why or why not?
Do you agree or disagree with Locke’s arguments? Why?