Loconte talks Locke: A Christian Case for Liberal Democracy

Professor Joseph Loconte gives a talk at the President’s Lecture Series on Lockean ideas and the Christian foundation. I I Photo credit to Connor Kopko

On Wednesday, Dr. Joseph Loconte spoke at the President’s Lecture Series, discussing John Locke’s ideas and the Christian foundation on which they were built. 

Teaching courses on Western Civilization, U.S. Foreign Policy and International Human Rights, Loconte has been an associate professor of history since 2009. When he is not teaching, he writes for a variety of publications, such as the National Review, Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post. 

Loconte sees the topic of John Locke as crucial for any citizen, especially Christians. 

“In some ways, almost every international conflict in the world involves a debate between John Locke and Thomas Hobbes. Do we want Lockean self-government or Hobbsian authoritarianism, submission to a political sovereign,” Loconte said. “I think that debate is being played out on a global stage everyday.”

President Tim Gibson prefaced the lecture and the following response as extremely important.

“Today we get to look deeply at the root and causes of liberal democracy through the lens of our highly qualified professors,” Gibson said.

During his lecture, Loconte highlighted the fight for rights and freedom in Syria, Iran and Hong Kong.

“There is something like a desire for liberal democratic institutions; something like a Lockean revolution. That’s why it matters,” Loconte said.

Loconte emphasized the Christian character in Locke’s writing, disagreeing with philosophers such as Leo Strauss and Hazony who believed that Locke was an “enemy of modern religion.” 

“The historiography defends the idea that Locke’s defense of individual rights and freedoms is rooted in a profound reference of the Hebrew Bible. Locke's religious beliefs anchored his arguments for freedom and equality,” Loconte said.

He explains the reason Locke’s principles were and still are so attractive. 

“The dignity of choice was affirmed for every person, man and woman, Jew and gentile, rich and poor. His idea of personal responsibility is framed within the context of the Bible, and this is why I think it became so revolutionary,” Loconte said.

After Loconte’s presentation, Associate Professor of Politics Dr. David Tubbs gave a short response to the lecture.

“Strauss argues that foremost of European history, philosophers had to contend with the threat of persecution state officials and religious authorities, especially when challenging political or theological orthodoxies,” Tubbs said, mentioning the prevalence of esoteric writing. “In these circumstances, the great philosophers learned to write in a special way. A deeper, more careful reading, occasionally revealed hidden messages that challenged different orthodoxies of day. This puts into question Locke’s sincerity of faith.”

In the final minutes of the discussion, Loconte encouraged students to send him questions or stop by his office to continue the conversation.

“If you want to chat more about Locke, my espresso maker is always humming, waiting for your arrival,” Loconte said.