John Locke, the 17th century philosopher most commonly associated with the concept of tolerance, “argues from Protestant premises most of the time. He seems uninterested in finding arguments for toleration that all citizens can share.” Contemporary philosopher Martha Nussbaum much prefers Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island, and thinks we should, too. Reviewing Nussbaum’s new book, Liberty of Conscience, I wrote: “The most powerful argument of Liberty of Conscience lies in Nussbaum’s careful reconstruction of Williams as a thinker at least as important to the tradition of liberty of conscience–the term she prefers to religion–as Locke and all the founders who followed.” Now Nussbaum further develops the case for Williams in a long essay for The New Republic, essential reading for anyone interested in the relationship of church and state.

–Jeff Sharlet