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Quote by Thomas Jefferson

“In matters of religion, I have considered that its free exercise is placed by the Constitution independent of the powers of the general government. I have therefore undertaken on no occasion to prescribe the religious exercises suited to it; but have left them as the Constitution found them, under the direction and discipline of State or Church authorities acknowledged by the several religious societies.”

Quote by Thomas Jefferson

Book:Jefferson on Freedom: Wisdom, Advice, and Hints on Freedom, Democracy, and the American Way

Work

Jefferson on Freedom: Wisdom, Advice, and Hints on Freedom, Democracy, and the American Way

Jefferson on Freedom is a compilation of Thomas Jefferson's philosophical musings and political commentary on the concepts of freedom and democracy. The book delves into Jefferson's views on the American political system and its foundational principles, providing readers with a glimpse into the mind of one of the nation's founding fathers. It includes extracts from his correspondence, speeches, and writings, offering a comprehensive look at his thoughts on the nature of freedom and the role of democracy in society. more

Author

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was the third President of the United States, a distinguished politician, philosopher, architect, and scientist. He was born on April 13, 1743, and died on July 4, 1826. Jefferson advocated for democracy and freedom in politics and was one of the main authors of the Declaration of Independence. His political ideas had a profound impact on the founding and development of the United States. more

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“Our Constitution... has not left the religion of its citizens under the power of its public functionaries, were it possible that any of these should consider a conquest over the conscience of men either attainable or applicable to any desirable purpose.”

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Book:The writings of Thomas Jefferson: being his autobiography, correspondence, reports, messages, addresses, and other writings, official and private

Source: The writings of Thomas Jefferson: being his autobiography, correspondence, reports, messages, addresses, and other writings, official and private

“No man complains of his neighbor for ill management of his affairs, for an error in sowing his land, or marrying his daughter, for consuming his substance in taverns ... in all these he has liberty; but if he does not frequent the church, or then conform in ceremonies, there is an immediate uproar.”

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Author:Thomas Jefferson

“The declaration that religious faith shall be unpunished does not give immunity to criminal acts dictated by religious error.”

Giving Doe Religious Errors Positive Atheism Criminals Declaration Religious Faith Immunity

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“If a sect arises whose tenets would subvert morals, good sense has fair play and reasons and laughs it out of doors without suffering the State to be troubled with it.”

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Book:The writings of Thomas Jefferson

Source: The writings of Thomas Jefferson

“If anything pass in a religious meeting seditiously and contrary to the public peace, let it be punished in the same manner and no otherwise than as if it had happened in a fair or market.”

Ifs Religious Happened Fairs Meetings Positive Atheism Contrary

Book:The Works of Thomas Jefferson: Correspondence 1771 - 1779, the Summary View, and the Declaration of Independence

Source: The Works of Thomas Jefferson: Correspondence 1771 - 1779, the Summary View, and the Declaration of Independence

“The law for religious freedom... [has]put down the aristocracy of the clergy and restored to the citizen the freedom of the mind.”

Mind Law Religious Citizens Positive Atheism Aristocracy Religious Freedom Clergy

Book:The portable Thomas Jefferson

Source: The portable Thomas Jefferson

“If the freedom of religion, guaranteed to us by law in theory, can ever rise in practice under the overbearing inquisition of public opinion, [then and only then will truth]prevail over fanaticism.”

Ifs Law Opinion Practice Theory Public Opinion Fanaticism Inquisition Freedom Of Religion Overbearing Truth Prevails

Author:Thomas Jefferson

“This doctrine ['that the condition of man cannot be ameliorated, that what has been must ever be, and that to secure ourselves where we are we must tread with awful reverence in the footsteps of our fathers']is the genuine fruit of the alliance between Church and State, the tenants of which finding themselves but too well in their present condition, oppose all advances which might unmask their usurpations and monopolies of honors, wealth and power, and fear every change as endangering the comforts they now hold.”

Source: Jefferson: Writings

“The metaphysical insanities of Athanasius, of Loyola, and of Calvin, are, to my understanding, mere lapses into polytheism, differing from paganism only by being more unintelligible.”

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“From the dissensions among Sects themselves arise necessarily a right of choosing and necessity of deliberating to which we will conform. But if we choose for ourselves, we must allow others to choose also, and so reciprocally, this establishes religious liberty.”

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Author:Thomas Jefferson