A Letter Concerning Toleration

Interesting Facts

• The book was written in the context of religious conflicts in Europe, particularly in England, and became an important contribution to the development of the idea of religious tolerance.
• The main idea of the book is that the state should not interfere in religious matters and force citizens to adopt a particular faith.
• Locke argues that true faith cannot be imposed by force and that everyone should have the freedom to follow their conscience in matters of religion.
• The book was written in Latin and first published in 1689, shortly after the Glorious Revolution in England.
• Locke distinguishes between civil interests, which should be regulated by the state, and religious interests, which should remain within the realm of personal freedom.
• Locke's work had a significant impact on the development of liberal thought and the concept of human rights, especially regarding freedom of religion.