Locke vs. Marx
A Comparative Essay of John Locke and Karl Marx Regarding The Privatization of Religion
Citizen’s views on today’s hotly debated topics such as: gay marriage, abortion, capital punishment, immigration, etc… are frequently affected by religious beliefs. This will be an examination of two different theorist’s opinions of how religion and political society affect each other including contrast and comparisons between the two views. John Locke was a British political theorist. Much of our American Government is based on his writings. One of his most influential works, The Letter Concerning Toleration, has become a staple document, which it has granted us our freedom of religious choice.
First, he criticized the religious conflict. In essence, he was alarmed that religious wars were being waged. Basically religious groups were fighting against each other. He questioned the religious integrity of Christians, because he felt that they were not following Jesus, The Prince of Peace. Christians shouldn’t be fighting with swords, but instead “…follow the perfect example, of that prince of peace… not armed with the sword, or other instruments of force, but prepared with the gospel of peace... (778). Therefore, he says that toleration is a religious principle, because “the toleration of those that differ from others in matters of religion is so agreeable to the Gospel of Jesus Christ…” (778).
Next, he talks about toleration in terms of a secular political principle. He supports this view with three reasons. First, he states that religion is about inner persuasion and belief. Essentially it deals with the soul and you can’t give this belief to anyone else. Locke illustrates this in the passage “For no man can, if he would, conform his faith to the dictates of another” (779). Second, force can make you go through the steps to externally conform; however, the only way someone could truly conform is through reason and argument. In addition, force is for the government, not
Citizen’s views on today’s hotly debated topics such as: gay marriage, abortion, capital punishment, immigration, etc… are frequently affected by religious beliefs. This will be an examination of two different theorist’s opinions of how religion and political society affect each other including contrast and comparisons between the two views. John Locke was a British political theorist. Much of our American Government is based on his writings. One of his most influential works, The Letter Concerning Toleration, has become a staple document, which it has granted us our freedom of religious choice.
First, he criticized the religious conflict. In essence, he was alarmed that religious wars were being waged. Basically religious groups were fighting against each other. He questioned the religious integrity of Christians, because he felt that they were not following Jesus, The Prince of Peace. Christians shouldn’t be fighting with swords, but instead “…follow the perfect example, of that prince of peace… not armed with the sword, or other instruments of force, but prepared with the gospel of peace... (778). Therefore, he says that toleration is a religious principle, because “the toleration of those that differ from others in matters of religion is so agreeable to the Gospel of Jesus Christ…” (778).
Next, he talks about toleration in terms of a secular political principle. He supports this view with three reasons. First, he states that religion is about inner persuasion and belief. Essentially it deals with the soul and you can’t give this belief to anyone else. Locke illustrates this in the passage “For no man can, if he would, conform his faith to the dictates of another” (779). Second, force can make you go through the steps to externally conform; however, the only way someone could truly conform is through reason and argument. In addition, force is for the government, not