What every American needs to know about the First Amendment

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President Thomas Jefferson

Religious Affiliation:

Summary of Religious Views:

Views on Religion & Politics:


Quotations:

Jefferson authored the 1786 ACT for establishing RELIGIOUS FREEDOM in Virginia. That Act begins with these five clauses:

Well aware that Almighty God hath created the mind free; that all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burthens, or by civil incapacitations, tend only to beget habits of hypocrisy and meanness, and are a departure from the plan of the Holy Author of our religion, who, being Lord both of body and mind, yet chose not to propagate it by coercions on either, as was in his Almighty power to do; [containing four different, clear and unambiguous acknowledgments of God].

When Jefferson founded the University of Virginia, he chose the school motto from the words of Jesus in the New Testament:

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free. (John 8:32).

Jefferson closed his First Inaugural Address on March 4, 1801, with these words:

And may that Infinite Power which rules the destinies of the universe lead our councils to what is best, and give them a favorable issue for your peace and prosperity.

In his Second Inaugural Address, March 4, 1805, he said:

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.

Jefferson concluded his Second Inaugural Address by saying:

I shall need, too, the favor of that Being in whose hands we are, who led our forefathers, as Israel of old, from their native land, and planted them in a country flowing with all the necessaries and comforts of life; who has covered our infancy with his providence, and our riper years with his wisdom and power; and to whose goodness I ask you to join with me in supplications, that he will so enlighten the minds of your servants, guide their councils, and prosper their measures, that whatsoever they do, shall result in your good, and shall secure to you the peace, friendship, and approbation of all nations.

In his final State of the Union Address (November 8, 1808), he said:

I carry with me the consolation of a firm persuasion that Heaven has in store for our beloved country long ages to come of prosperity and happiness.

 

©2005 Bob Sharpe