At the Red Global conference on Religious Diversity and Globalisation, Prof. Lautaro Roig Lanzillotta reflected on the legacy of John Locke’s 1689 “Letter Concerning Toleration,” asserting its ongoing relevance amidst religious tensions, political polarisation, and ideological conflicts. His remarks were part of a session covered by The European Times.
A 17th-century warning for 21st-century realities
In his lecture, Prof. Roig Lanzillotta revisited Locke’s defence of freedom of conscience, emphasizing the distinction between spiritual and political spheres. “By emphasizing freedom of conscience as a foundation for distinguishing between church and state, or more precisely, between spiritual and political authority, Locke helps lay the groundwork for a new vision of society,” he said.
He noted that Locke’s insights came from centuries of religious conflict, offering a model of coexistence based on reciprocity, civic stability, and protection of individual belief. Yet, many of Locke’s core arguments are “strikingly absent” in today’s global environment.
The return of old patterns of intolerance
The professor highlighted crises—from Gaza to Sudan and India—where religious identity intertwines with politics. “The contamination of politics with religion and vice versa has brought us to a point where meaningful dialogue has become almost impossible,” he noted.
He pointed to the rise of religiously coded nationalism, the decline of secular governance, and the weaponisation of belief in political discourse. “From the United States to Argentina, religious fanaticism has re-emerged in the Americas,” he explained, warning of growing fractures in allegedly secular European societies fuelled by far-right ideologies.
Ignorance, exposure and the paradox of diversity
Prof. Roig Lanzillotta emphasized how modern connectivity increases exposure to religious and cultural diversity, while also amplifying backlash. “On the one hand, technology, tourism and migration expose us more and more to diversity. On the other hand, combined with ignorance, this exposure generates rejection instead of fostering acceptance,” he observed.
He related Locke’s view that “just and moderate governments are everywhere quiet and secure” to modern struggles with intolerance, misinformation, and polarisation.
Red Global: Building literacy and reciprocity
A central part of the speech outlined the mission of Red Global and the Erasmus Mundus International Master’s Programme on Religious Diversity. “With the conviction that enlightenment or knowledge is the antidote to ignorance, several European and Latin American universities have joined forces to create an international and intersectoral programme of excellence,” he said.
The network unites universities from Groningen to Córdoba, Brasília, and Santiago de Chile, alongside non-academic partners in interfaith dialogue, sociological research, and civil society. It is “the only master funded by the European Commission that focuses on religious topics,” combining academic research with practical community engagement.
Red Global’s plans include an online platform to connect institutions and practitioners, and an application to join the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network under Horizon Europe, expanding interdisciplinary PhD training opportunities.
Locke’s four principles as a roadmap for today
To close his lecture, Prof. Roig Lanzillotta highlighted how Locke’s defence of tolerance can guide societies amid escalating conflicts and ideological fragmentation. Red Global’s mission is designed to preserve these principles:
- a clear separation between religious and public spheres,
- the free circulation of ideas,
- reciprocity and mutual recognition,
- and a deep engagement with religious diversity rooted in historical understanding.
“Three and a half centuries after its publication, Locke’s arguments are more relevant and necessary than ever,” he concluded, noting the regression in human rights protections, including freedom of conscience and belief.
A timely reflection amid growing global pressures
Prof. Roig Lanzillotta’s intervention offered historical depth and a reminder that religious diversity and freedom of belief—principles enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—face acute challenges. His analysis linked Enlightenment ideals to contemporary crises, highlighting the role of education, dialogue, and structural cooperation in restoring a culture of tolerance.
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