John Locke was born in 1632. He grew up to become one of the most influential philosophers and was seen as the father of the Enlightenment. Locked studied at Christ Church, Oxford in 1658 (AR). At Oxford he studied medicine which greatly influenced his beliefs. His most famous works include the First Treatise of Government, the Second Treatise of Government, and the Letter on Toleration (AR). In his treatises he proclaimed that absolute monarchy was not the correct way to govern. These beliefs about a monarchy began in him at an early age. His Letter on Tolerance states that governments have no right to interfere with citizens' beliefs unless they pose a threat to the greater good. Locke's ideas became foundational to Europe and America. In his Letter on Tolerance Locke shows that the magistrate must be a judge of earthly struggles and not focus on religious procedures, which is necessary because these are struggles that occur in every culture. John Locke addresses several incisive topics in his text A Letter on Toleration. One such question is whether or not a magistrate's jurisdiction should cover salvation. Locke's position on this topic was very definite. John Locke believed that no one was responsible for another's soul. “The care of souls cannot belong to the civil magistrate, because his power consists only in outward force” (Locke 4). The soul does not abide under physical laws or powers, so the magistrate cannot have authority over it. “For no man can, if he would, conform his faith to the dictates of another” (Locke 4). Furthermore, each person has control over their soul and enjoys the ability to have that control. Nothing can take away that cont...... middle of paper ......l. Furthermore, in most places in the world that a Christian will go, they will face persecution and laws with which they may not agree. John Locke provides some key information for such situations. It is likely that one day every person will face a situation in which they will have to decide to follow the law even if it does not agree with their faith or morals. No matter the day and age in which you read John Locke's statements on church and state, the arguments presented will always be relevant and vitally important. Works Cited AR " Locke, John " The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics. Ed Iain McLean and Alistair McMillan. Oxford University Press 2009. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. Grove City College. August 28, 2011 http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t86.e754Locke, John. "A letter on tolerance". Press.