-
Reformation (16th century): liberalism is derived from Martin Luther’s ‘protestant’ Christianity
-
Christianity should assume a more individualistic character
-
Each man and woman undertaking their own individual communication with God vs relying on priests, popes and other intermediaries
-
Enlightenment (17th century): extended religious ideas to secular world
-
Defined by reason rather than religion
-
Free thinking rather than blind faith
-
Rational scrutiny rather than spirituality
-
John Locke and others developed ideas that:
-
every individual has an ability to think freely (Mechanistic theory)
-
an individual’s life should be determined by his or her judgements
-
relationship between individuals and governments should be re-examined, to improve the status of the individual
-
Developed in response to divine right/monarchy having arbitrary power