John Locke and the U.S. Government

[Bob]

Where did the founders of the United States acquire their ideas on the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution?

And Is the United States, at least in principle, a nation whose ultimate source of moral authority must come from God alone?

The influence of John Locke, a 17th Century political philosopher, on the founders thinking is manifold.

Here is a summary of what Locke believed (Britannica):

“ Locke’s political philosophy was guided by his deeply held religious commitments. Throughout his life he believed in a creating God and the notion that all humans are God’s servants in virtue of that relationship. God created humans for a certain purpose, namely to live a life according to His laws and thus to inherit eternal salvation; most importantly for Locke’s philosophy, God gave humans those intellectual and other abilities necessary to achieve this end. Thus, humans, using reason, are able to discover that God exists, to identify his laws and the duties they entail, and to acquire sufficient knowledge to perform their duties and thereby to lead a happy and successful life. They can come to recognize that some actions, such as failing to care for one’s offspring or to keep one’s contracts, are morally reprehensible and contrary to natural law, which is identical to the law of God. Other moral laws can be discovered or known only through revelation—e.g., by reading the Bible.”

Do you find concurrence with your beliefs?

Blessings.

 

[Bob]

The above post summarizes Locke’s main religious beliefs.

Here is what he wrote on politics:

Locke firmly rejected the divine right of kings (popular at that time). He believed governments should be formed through the consent of the governed, establishing the legitimacy of governance and binding the government to serve the people. If the government failed to protect natural rights or became oppressive, Locke asserted that people had the right to revolt.

His core elements on the best government:

• Separation of powers
• Protection of property (including life, liberty, and estate)
• Importance of impartial adjudication

Locke's philosophy laid the groundwork for the U.S. Constitution's three branches of government, ensuring no branch could become all-powerful.

Peace.

 

[RedFan]

And Is the United States, at least in principle, a nation whose ultimate source of moral authority must come from God alone?

What do you mean by "moral" authority? Clearly the United States' political and legal authority derive from the consent of the governed, not from God. Is "moral" authority, as you define it, the persuasiveness of the State in regard to regulating individual actions where legal rules do not apply?

 

[Bob]

A final note, regarding government’s authority to punish law breakers, but not individuals:

Per Locke: Each person is naturally free and equal under the law of nature, subject only to the will of “the infinitely wise Maker.” Each person, moreover, is required to enforce as well as to obey this law. It is this duty that gives to humans the right to punish offenders. But in such a state of nature, it is obvious that placing the right to punish in each person’s hands may lead to injustice and violence. This can be remedied if humans enter into a contract with each other to recognize by common consent a civil government with the power to enforce the law of nature among the citizens of that state. Although any contract is legitimate as long as it does not infringe upon the law of nature, it often happens that a contract can be enforced only if there is some higher human authority to require compliance with it. It is a primary function of society to set up the framework in which legitimate contracts, freely entered into, may be enforced.


Was Locke thinking of Matthew 18: 15-17 in formulating these ideas for governments?

Blessings.

 

[Bob]

What do you mean by "moral" authority? Clearly the United States' political and legal authority derive from the consent of the governed, not from God. Is "moral" authority, as you define it, the persuasiveness of the State in regard to regulating individual actions where legal rules do not apply?

Thank you for the response and question.

We both agree that the ultimate source of all morality must come from God (Genesis 2:9).

Locke likely envisioned a nation of Christians, who would also agree. Otherwise, the result is a turbulent sea of different moral opinions.

It should be obvious that recently many politicians, pundits, etc. considered any means to advance their cause or power was justified. Will this nation continue on a path of rejecting God and His authority over us?

Blessings.

 

[Wrangler]

Locke was the most common source the Founding Fathers quoted OTHER THAN the Bible in constructing the Constitution.

I read his work and have back and forth on his epistemology of ‘Tabula Rosa.’

 

[RedFan]

Thank you for the response and question.

We both agree that the ultimate source of all morality must come from God (Genesis 2:9).

Locke likely envisioned a nation of Christians, who would also agree. Otherwise, the result is a turbulent sea of different moral opinions.

It should be obvious that recently many politicians, pundits, etc. considered any means to advance their cause or power was justified. Will this nation continue on a path of rejecting God and His authority over us?

Blessings.

I think Locke would say that any nation's moral authority derives from its commitment to uphold its citizens natural rights to life, liberty and property. That's his litmus test. He would apply it to any nation, regardless of the religious beliefs of its citizens.

 

[Bob]

I think Locke would say that any nation's moral authority derives from its commitment to uphold its citizens natural rights to life, liberty and property. That's his litmus test. He would apply it to any nation, regardless of the religious beliefs of its citizens.

Thank you for the clarification (and answering your original question!).

What you have written is crucially important (almost). Our nation’s commitment is documented in the Constitution. It is the government officials, those servants of the people, who must uphold our natural rights by upholding the Constitution.

But to paraphrase your final sentence: that would apply to any government official, regardless of that person’s religious beliefs. In other words, it should be acceptable to vote for a candidate we could trust to uphold the oaths of office, even when the candidate was not a Christian.

Peace and blessings!