Of the Nature & Qualification of Religion in Reference to Civil Society

Of the Nature and Qualification of Religion In Reference to Civil Society is a remarkable piece of literature on toleration that followed the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. It is exceptional because the doctrine of toleration is developed within the framework of modern natural law, a doctrine for which Pufendorf is well-known as one of the founding fathers. The 1687 book eloquently sets forth the new doctrine of separation of politics and religion. In response to the revocation of the Edict of Nantes by Louis XIV, Pufendorf contests the right of the sovereign to control the religion of his subjects: state and religion pursue wholly different ends. Features an introduction, selected bibliography, notes and index.