Civil rights Quote by Phyllis Goldstein
![“There is no such thing as a Christian commonwealth…. [N]either Pagan nor [Muslim], nor Jew, ought to be excluded from the civil rights of the commonwealth because of his religion. John Locke, England, 1689” quote by Phyllis Goldstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/638/phyllis-goldstein-7858_civil-rights_there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-christian-co_3195456.jpg)
““There is no such thing as a Christian commonwealth…. [N]either Pagan nor [Muslim], nor Jew, ought to be excluded from the civil rights of the commonwealth because of his religion. John Locke, England, 1689””
About This Quote
Source Speech: John Locke, England, 1689
Locke argued that civil rights should be granted regardless of religion, rejecting exclusion based on faith.
In simple terms: Civil rights belong to everyone, no matter their religion.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for inclusive rights for all.
Themes
equality
religious tolerance
civil rights
human rights
Mood
serious
determined
optimistic
Type
political
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- lawmaking
- public policy
- education
- community organizing
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
political philosophy
secularism
social justice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies ensure religious neutrality in law?
- What obstacles arise when extending rights to all faiths?
A Different Perspective
Implementation can clash with entrenched prejudices.
![“They [the Founding Fathers] were intent upon establishing a Christian commonwealth in accordance with the principle of self-government. They were an inspired body of men. It has been said that God sifted the nations that He might send choice grain into the wilderness ... Who can fail to see it in…” quote by Calvin Coolidge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/141/calvin-coolidge-764_body_they-the-founding-fathers-were-intent-up_337118.jpg)
![“No one can tell you for certain if we have free will or we don't. [...] Whatever you choose to believe, you will probably want to agree with the philosopher John Locke, who argued that the whole debate is largely irrelevant. If it feels to us like free will, then let's treat it as free will and…” quote by J.W. Ironmonger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0bf/j-w-ironmonger-64016_debate_no-one-can-tell-you-for-certain-if-we-ha_657189.jpg)
![“Prior to and during [John] Locke's time, it was difficult to determine where religion or church left off and government or state began. The powers of both were often combined. As a result, churches frequently used the force of the state to promote and enforce their interests and doctrines. This…” quote by Jayne Meadows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d48/jayne-meadows-30259_atrocities_prior-to-and-during-john-locke-s-time-it_462354.jpg)
![“[John] Adams identified himself with the political theories of [James] Harrington, [John] Locke, and [Charles-Louis] Montesquieu, whose ideas of constitutionalism, he believed, were applicable to all peoples everywhere; they were his contribution to what he called "the divine science of politics."” quote by Gordon S. Wood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c71/gordon-s-wood-13199_constitutionalism_john-adams-identified-himself-with-the-p_226327.jpg)
