This chapter connects the theories of political liberalism and toleration advocated by Locke to the way in which those theories are instantiated in the founding period of America and today. We see that there were certain (perhaps intentional) ambiguities in Locke's theory that underlie the debates about religious freedom, which now fuel the culture wars. This ambiguity lies in whether Locke (and the American constitutional conception of religion generally) should be read as “liberal” or “republican” or some combination. The chapter concludes with a case study of debates on homosexuality and...

This chapter connects the theories of political liberalism and toleration advocated by Locke to the way in which those theories are instantiated in the founding period of America and today. We see that there were certain (perhaps intentional) ambiguities in Locke's theory that underlie the debates about religious freedom, which now fuel the culture wars. This ambiguity lies in whether Locke (and the American constitutional conception of religion generally) should be read as “liberal” or “republican” or some combination. The chapter concludes with a case study of debates on homosexuality and shows how those on opposing sides find evidence in Locke to support their positions.