By far one of the most intellectual people in early American politics, Thomas Jefferson was one of the most influential of the Founding Fathers. Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 in Virginia. He was the third of eight children in his family. In 1757 his father died and Thomas Jefferson inherited many acres of land and dozens of slaves. There he would build his home known as Monticello. Jefferson graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1762 with highest honors. On July 4, 1776 Thomas Jefferson along with his other colleagues approved the Declaration of Independence. That document became Jefferson’s claim to fame. In 1801, Thomas Jefferson became the third President of the United States and he was in office until 1809. On July 4, 1826 Jefferson died. The day he died was the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
As a big political leader in the formation of our country Jefferson was strongly for equality and the freedom of religion. In the Declaration of Independence he states that “all men are created equal”. Thus people have equal rights. The right to choose a religion was a very controversial topic in Jefferson’s time. The talk of an established religion has thus come about. Jefferson was strongly opposed to this and he was even accused of being an atheist when the Federalists and Republicans were having conflict, "I am for freedom of religion, and against all maneuvers to bring about a legal ascendency of one sect over another." (Thomas Jefferson, 1799). If there is no separation between church and state an established religion tends to make the clergy indifferent to their own community, and leads to corruption within the religion itself. Thus, separation of the church and state is necessary in a free nation. "The constitutional freedom of religion [is] the most inalienable and sacred of all human rights." (Thomas Jefferson, 1819). Thomas Jefferson believed that the freedom of religion was also the freedom of mind and thought making a free man which is what America was all about. He also believed that one should not be prejudice of another who is in a different church because it is their civil right to practice what they will. Thomas Jefferson was one of the most intellectual persons of his time. He was also a beloved President for his stance for equal rights.
Bowman, Rebecca. "Jefferson’s Religious Beliefs" Monticello, Home of Thomas Jefferson. August 1997. Thomas Jefferson, Foundation Research Department, Inc. (visited October 2, 2009)
“Freedom of Religion: Thomas Jefferson on Politics & Government”
(visited October 3, 2009)
http://etext.virginia.edu/jefferson/quotations/jeff1650.htm
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What did Jefferson think about the African American Slaves? Were they also in "all man"?
ReplyDeleteAlthough in the Constitution state the separation of religion and State, we know that this is a big controversy right now with the pledge of allegiance.
Jefferson was a believer of freedom of religion, and it is even found within The Constitution; however, I feel that even today in the 21st Century this country does not have complete freedom of religion. “God” is found on all our money and even, as t_monica46 states, in the pledge of allegiance, which children recite daily in public schools. There is a sense that anyone can believe what they choose in America, yet for those that do not believe, “God” is something we are forced to see daily.
ReplyDeleteAs a young boy church was a large part of my life. But through out many years ive grown less atatched to the beliefes of the church but more attached to their vales. Living in America I agree with thomas jeffreson, that everyone should be able to have the freedom of religion. No one should Should be forced to fallow one specific party. Also I believe no one should'nt be criticized for not haveing any clear religion as well.
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