glockmail
VIP Member
- Banned
- #101
- Yes. Consistent with a Deist perspective, Jefferson did not assert the divinty of Christ with this quote. You should look into the Jeffersonian Bible, Mr. Jefferson-was-no-Deist.
- Yes. Consistent with a Deist perspective, Jefferson did not assert the divinty of Christ with this quote--although he does present his belief in God; also consistent with Deism.
- Yes. Consistent with a Deist perspective, Jefferson did not assert the divinty of Christ with this quote. He certainly made a point regarding the frendliness of Chistianity to Government, but he did not declare any Christianity for himself.
- Yes. Consistent with a Deist perspective, Jefferson did not assert the divinty of Christ with this quote. He validated Christ's system of morality, but not so much his divinity.
For the moment, I'll take your word for it--mostly because they are all consistent with a Deist's perspective.
1. Jefferson states that he holds Christs precepts (principles or commands) to be pure and benevolent. Certainly this would include, say, The Lords Prayer, a command to pray to God.
Again I cite the definition of deism:
deism: a movement or system of thought advocating natural religion, emphasizing morality, and in the 18th century denying the interference of the Creator with the laws of the universe
Therefore it would be foolish to suggest that a deist held prayer as benevolent; he would hold prayer as a waste of time.
2. Again, a deist would not state that liberties are the gift of God, since the deist god does not interfere with the comings and goings of man.
Then there are these little tidbits, confirming Jeffersons Christianity and beliefs:
"I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus." [Letter to Benjamin Rush April 21, 1803]
God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are a gift from God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, and that His justice cannot sleep forever. [Notes on the State of Virginia, 1781]
It [the Bible] is a document in proof that I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus."
[Jan 9, 1816 Letter to Charles Thomson]