Martin Luther, Thomas Hobbes And John Locke - 2526 Words

As per the 1948 Universal announcement of human rights, all individuals regardless of their background are all born equal before the law. This declaration made by the powerful nations and signed by all nations strong and weak that belong to the United Nations reflects the thoughts of many earlier philosophers to include the 16th 17th Century Martin Luther, Thomas Hobbes, and John Locke. However, each philosopher -based on their times and experiences gave a different value to how men use their freedom and equality in presence of the other in a society, and in relation to political authority. As determinant of his freedom to act and think, the three writings focused on the will of man, the promise that shapes the social contract, and the†¦show more content†¦This is because in the state of nature humans are born free, equal, and independent from any political authority. It is quite clear that the three philosipers have focused on the importance of the individual’s wi ll in preserving a stable society. Martin Luther emphasizes that human will is subservient to faith â€Å"if God’s grace is wanting, if its taken away from that small power, what can it do? It is ineffective†¦.Hence it follows that free will without God’s grace is not free at all, but is the permanent prisoner and bond slave of evil, since it cannot turn itself to good.†(Luther, 187) Man’s free will does not exist on its own with the approval and decision by God. Man is only free by God’s will, but of course when man seeks free will without the grace of God, he is considered an evil man. To Luther, the Godly man is good to his society and himself, while â€Å"the ungodly man, like Satan nor seek God, nor care for the things of God: he seeks his own riches, and glory, and works.., and power, and sovereignty† (Luther, 192) to employ it for his own peace and will not allow anyone to take away from what he gained. Luther goes into distinguishing human civil laws from the gosp el. At the same time, the former restrains the evil behavior of humans, but of course it does not make them righteous. Individuals withdraw from sin, â€Å"not willing or for the love of virtue, but ..fear the prison, the sword, and the hangman (Luther, 139) whileShow MoreRelatedThe legacy of the renaissance1566 Words   |  7 Pagesyear 1580 but left behind a legacy of architectural works and design plans in a book he published called (The Four Books of Architecture) were widely translated, and Palladios ideas spread across Europe and into the New World. 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