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What follows are some of the kinder thoughts Jefferson had on religion. "The whole history of these books is so defective and doubtful...such tricks have been played with their texts...it is as easy to separate those parts, as to pick out diamonds from dunghills." (Letter to John Adams, 1/24/1814) "I concur with you strictly in your opinion of the comparative merits of atheism and demonism, and really see nothing but the latter in the being worshipped by many who think themselves Christians. (Letter to Richard Price, 1/8/1789) "Question with boldness even the existence of a god; because if there be one he must approve of the homage of reason more than that of blindfolded fear." (letter to Peter Carr, 8/10/1787)
I've read alot of the writings of Thomas Jefferson and he appears to be an atheist as far as I can tell. That's one more plus for such a great man. He also expresses himself so brilliantly. In fact I've noticed that it was very common as late as the 1800's for people to write letters that were very long and detailed and would make the writings of modern Americans look foolish by comparison. The writings of many famous people are of course well known such as Jefferson but also common people who were educated and were simply corresponding with a friend or relative have had their writings published in modern times and they are far more eloquent and seem to have a much greater command of the english language than we do today. Common soldiers in the Civil War or pioneers in the old west are good examples. It's an art we seem to have lost.
Location: Comunistafornia, and working to get out ASAP!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by webster
What follows are some of the kinder thoughts Jefferson had on religion. "The whole history of these books is so defective and doubtful...such tricks have been played with their texts...it is as easy to separate those parts, as to pick out diamonds from dunghills." (Letter to John Adams, 1/24/1814) "I concur with you strictly in your opinion of the comparative merits of atheism and demonism, and really see nothing but the latter in the being worshipped by many who think themselves Christians. (Letter to Richard Price, 1/8/1789) "Question with boldness even the existence of a god; because if there be one he must approve of the homage of reason more than that of blindfolded fear." (letter to Peter Carr, 8/10/1787)
Again, selective quotes from one man so? I don't think many are basing our founding as a Christian nation on a few selective quotes. Look if y'all want to not believe America was founded as a Christian nation fine, but your not going to rid this country of Christianity! Now if y'all don't like it there is always the door
Now if y'all don't like it there is always the door
We're talking about Thomas Jefferson here, one of the greatest Americans ever. You talk about him like he's just some used car salesman with a crazy opinion. Clearly you don't have an understanding of American democracy and our early history. And now you're telling those of us who aren't religious we ought to find someplace else to live? Even though you put a little smiley face at the end your intent was clear.
Which version of Christianity? Should it be the Unitarian or Baptist which can't speak with one voice or perhaps the Catholic or LDS who other Christians see as cults? Some see the Bible as literal, others as an outline. Who is to say who speaks for the Divine.
-MOD CUT- There is room in this nation for people of ALL religions, or NO religion. And if YOU don't like THAT, you can move to a country where Christianity is the state religion! Oh yes:
Now that that stupidity is straightened out, I can say that I have read much of the works of Jefferson as well. My (oral, gulp) final presentation for one of my Spanish classes asked the open ended, "If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why? (I don't see how this applied very much to the class in hand, but perhaps they merely wanted a demonstration in oral capacity...) I answered Thomas Jefferson, because he clearly never desired a state religion. A couple of my favourite quotes:
Christianity neither is, nor ever was a part of the common law.
-Thomas Jefferson, letter to Dr. Thomas Cooper, February 10, 1814
History, I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free civil government. This marks the lowest grade of ignorance of which their civil as well as religious leaders will always avail themselves for their own purposes.
-Thomas Jefferson to Alexander von Humboldt, Dec. 6, 1813.
Christian or not, I hope we can all appreciate the wisdom of Jefferson and understand that he was correct, that maintaining a free, secular government is vital to ensuring the rights of everyone in a democratic nation.
Last edited by Hoosier; 05-06-2007 at 02:01 PM..
Reason: Personal Attack
Christian or not, I hope we can all appreciate the wisdom of Jefferson and understand that he was correct, that maintaining a free, secular government is vital to ensuring the rights of everyone in a democratic nation.
Wouldn't it be nice if all nations based their decisions free of religious beliefs as well.
Wouldn't it be nice if all nations based their decisions free of religious beliefs as well.
I agree entirely.
Sadly, I do not think that the US is anywhere close. As a case in point, look at GWB's executive order killing funding for stem cell research, or the movements to forbid gay marriage.
Sadly, I do not think that the US is anywhere close. As a case in point, look at GWB's executive order killing funding for stem cell research, or the movements to forbid gay marriage.
Well thankfully he's almost gone...and hopefully the next one will be more objective in his political beliefs.
Thomas Jefferson was not an atheist; he was merely a philosopher of sorts!
T. Jefferson was a hard core Christian, he only had feelings of anger toward shypocrites and organized religion. Not that he felt organized religion was necessarily bad, but that many a preacher preached the " gospel according to them", not according to God.
I know all this because I have many of T. Jefferson's letters to family and friends and the " Jefferson Bible."
Why do I have it? Simple, I am T. Jefferson's first cousin, eight generations removed.
My grandmother's mother's side is Randolph. Thomas J.'s mother's father was a Randolph too! The very same Randolph as we are! My grandmother and othe rmembers of our faimly have traced this lineage.
Either way, we are in possesion of many articles of Thomas Jefferson.
T. J. was as far as I can tell and honorable, valiant, man and a true patriot whose loyalty was first to God, then his country and somewhere in their he placed his family ( though in most of his letters he barley mentione dhis family).
I believe God instituted thi snation and as such I also believe that is one reason he chose T. J. as a founder of it( because of his true belief in God and hsi devotion to liberty!)
In closing.....
Live free or die fighting!
as as Patrick Henry said...
"I know not what course other men may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
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