A Letter Concerning Toleration, in the history of political philosophy, an important essay by the English philosopher John Locke, originally written in Latin (Epistola de Tolerantia) in 1685 while Locke was in exile in Holland and first published anonymously in both Latin and English (in a translation by William Popple) upon Locke’s return to England in 1689. A Letter Concerning Toleration greatly influenced the development of the modern concept of the separation of church and state, which is entrenched in a number of modern constitutions. A Letter Concerning Toleration advocated for greater religious toleration during a period marked by dramatic ...(100 of 818 words) Access the full article Help support true facts by becoming a member. Subscribe today!