Arms Quote by John Locke
“No peace and security among mankind-let alone common friendship-can ever exist as long as people think that governments get their authority from God and that religion is to be propagated by force of arms.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Two Treatises of Government, 1689
Authority should not be claimed as divinely mandated; coercive religious propagation undermines peace.
In simple terms: Government shouldn't claim divine authority.
Key Takeaway
Seek secular, consensual governance.
Themes
politics
religion
peace
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- interfaith dialogue
- human rights advocacy
- education curricula
Key Concepts
social contract
secularism
Questions to Reflect On
- What role should religion play in public policy?
- How can societies balance freedom of belief with non‑coercion?
A Different Perspective
Secular authority may still be contested by believers.
![“[M]an is not permitted without censure to follow his own thoughts in the search of truth, when they lead him ever so little out of the common road.” quote by John Locke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9bd/john-locke-814_censorship_m-an-is-not-permitted-without-censure-to_60175.jpg)
