Lecture 9: Religious Arguments for Liberty and Rights

Disestablishment

The process by which American states removed government support for official churches, breaking with Old World models of state religion and advancing a global vision of liberty of conscience. This shift allowed for greater religious freedom and the emergence of a pluralistic society.

Toleration vs Natural Rights

Toleration meant permission granted by authorities, while natural rights framed religious liberty as an inherent freedom belonging to all people everywhere, challenging long-standing church-state systems.

-Promoted individual autonomy in matters of belief.

Emancipation

The extension of full civil and religious rights to previously excluded groups such as Jews and Catholics, representing a shift towards broader global ideas of equality and pluralism in society. This process highlighted the transition from exclusionary practices to an inclusive approach, advocating for universal human rights.

Memorial and Remonstrance

J-ames Madison’s 1785 petition opposing religious establishment, arguing that liberty of conscience is a universal human right independent of civil power.

-The petition emphasized that government support for religion infringes on individual freedom and should be rejected in favor of a secular state.

Statute for Religious Freedom

-The 1786 Virginia law affirming freedom of belief as a natural and universal right, offering a new model of separating civil authority from religious authority in a global context.

-It stated that no person should be compelled to support any religious worship or ministry, reinforcing the principle of religious liberty.

What was Jefferson’s role in the fight for religious freedom in Virginia (1770’s-1780’s)?

Advocated for religious freedom in Virginia by drafting the Statute for Religious Freedom in 1786 (drafted a bill for full religious freedom in 1777), which promoted the separation of church and state and the right to personal beliefs without government interference.

What was Madison’s role in the fight for religious freedom in Virginia (1770’s-1780’s)?

Wrote the Memorial and Remonstrance in 1785, which challenged the state's support for religion and argued for the liberty of conscience as a fundamental human right.

-defeated Henry’s Plan and Jefferson’s 1786 Statue become final; freedom of religion and freedom from religion became law

What was Henry’s role in the fight for religious freedom in Virginia (1770’s-1780’s)?

Wanted the support for Christianity to be left up to the states and countered Jefferson’s bill for full religious freedom

Who was Johnathan Mayhew (1720-1766)? What role did he play?

Congregational minister who linked protestant theology to political liberty, advocating for religious freedom and the rights of individuals in his sermons and writings.

-Believed tyranny is sinful

-Argued that liberty is consistent with Christianity

-”Liberty was not a rebellion against God, it was obedience to justice”

-Interpreted Romans 13: “Christians are not obligated to obey tyrants”

Who was William Livingston (1723-1790)

-Political writer and later governor of NJ

-Opposed religious establishments and state-backed churches

-Believed that religious liberty was essential to civil liberty

-Believed that state religion corrupted both church and government

-Influenced Protestant traditions by arguing that true religions require a freedom of conscience

-***A free state must protect religious diversity

What was the significance of Foxe's Book of Martyrs (1563) during the period of religious arguments for liberty and rights?

It served as a crucial account of Protestant martyrdom that inspired believers to advocate for religious freedom, showcasing the consequences of persecution and the importance of liberty in faith.

-Told the stories of Protestants being persecuted under Catholic rule

-Highlighted how memory, suffering, and identity shaped arguments about religious liberty awhile ago

-Highlighted the memory of persecution and made warned that state religion is dangerous

What was Washington’s role in religious arguments for liberty and rights?

-Reframed liberty as a natural right, not just toleration

-Wrote letters to Catholics, Jews, Quakers, and Baptists and assured them they have equal protection of conscience

What role did the First Amendment play?

Part of the U.S. Bill of Rights that restricts Congress from establishing a religion and protects free exercise (along with speech, press, etc.).

-It represents a major shift from “confessional” assumptions toward a new political framework for managing religious diversity. It’s also the culmination of long debates over liberty of conscience and disestablishment.