Nathan Guy - Finding Locke’s God: The Theological Basis of John Locke’s Political Thought

Finding Lockes God

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Finding Lockes God

The Theological Basis of John Lockes
Political Thought

Nathan Guy

For Katie

To form a young gentleman as he should be [involves] an art not to be learnt nor taught by books. Nothing can give it but good company and observation joind together.

John Locke, Some Thoughts Concerning Education (1692), 93.

I am extremely grateful for the good company of family, educators, colleagues, and friends who have shaped not only my thinking but also my life. The initial impetus to read Locke came nearly a decade ago through a series of engaging lectures and conversations at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Alex Voorhoeve, Luc Bovens, Katrin Flikschuh, and Paul Kelly all had a hand in raising my interest, while my friend and classmate Garnett Genuis encouraged me to turn my interest into a larger project. The idea for this book began to take shape a few years later while conducting research in the Theology faculty of the University of Cambridge. I found myself surround by good company who modeled a perfect blend of erudition, generosity, and refined grace. I think especially of Andrew Davison, Douglas Hedley, Janet Soskice, and the late and lamented John Hughes. My gratitude belongs to St. Edmunds College, Cambridge, not only for providing an ideal living and learning environment for three wonderful years but also for awarding me the John Coventry Prize for my work.

The funding for my years in England came through the generosity of Harding Universitys executive committee. My special thanks belong to this good company of executives, especially David Burks, Bruce McLarty, and Mike Williams.

Returning home from the UK, I enjoyed the good company of kind and generous souls who volunteered their time to aid me in my further research and preparation. I wish to thank the able librarians at Harding University (especially Justin Lillard, Holly Tidwell, and Emillia Cline), the students of my Locke Seminar; my colleagues Mac Sandlin, Jim Bury, and Jordan Guy for their careful and critical eye; and two graduate students from Harding School of Theology who lent their invaluable assistance: Lance Hedrick and Jackson House.

In preparing my research, I had the good fortune to present my findings and hone my argument through various presentations at Pepperdine University, Faulker Universitys Jones School of Law, Heritage Christian University, and Harding University. To all those involved in providing these opportunities (especially Layne Keele, Joshua Fullman, Jeremy Barrier, Danny Mathews, Tim Willis, and Dale Manor), I extend a sincere thank you.

Two Locke scholars who read portions of my work and offered feedback have also immensely blessed me. Early in the process, Victor Nuovo gave me both encouragement and critical feedback. In the penultimate stages of book preparation, Greg Forster offered his assistance. Gregs careful reflection and incisive comments helped make this a better book. For their generosity and assistance, I am grateful.

I also wish to thank Colleen Coalter (Senior Commissioning Editor at Bloomsbury), Helen Saunders and Becky Holland (Editorial Assistants), and two excellent copy editorsShanmathi Priya Sampath and Sudha Soundrapandiyan for bringing this dream to completion.

Finally, to my family, I thank you. My parents and brothers have been encouraging and supportive every step of the way. It was in the initial stages of dreaming up this project that I met the love of my life. To my wife, Katie, I owe much of my happiness and all of my love. Heres to you, babe.

Nathan Guy