This brief narrative survey of political thought over the past two millennia explores key ideas that have shaped Western political traditions. Beginning with the Ancient Greeks' classical emphasis on politics as an independent sphere of activity, the book goes on to consider the medieval and early modern Christian views of politics and its central role in providing spiritual leadership. Concluding with a discussion of present-day political thought, W. M. Spellman explores the return to the ancient understanding of political life as a more autonomous sphere, and one that doesn't relate to...

This book explores the influence of late seventeenth-century Christianity in Locke's philosophical, political, and educational thought. Only over the last decade have historians begun to investigate the central role played by religion in Locke's vision for individual autonomy and social responsibility. This book incorporates the latest scholarship and reassesses the nature of Locke's most important writings in the light of his strong commitment to traditional Christian notions of morality and human purpose. W.M. Spellman has written an ideal introduction to Locke's work.