Thomas Jefferson-Freedom of Religion

5 years later the political climate is far worse. So this relates more than ever.

The Good Word

This is going to be a short post. I have seen many comments from Atheists that love using Thomas Jefferson as an example for their argument to keep Religion out of the State. Many even point out the “Freedom of Religion” letter. However they probably have never read it, they couldn’t have. Because it is actually written to the Danbury Baptists in order to show them that the government would never infringe on their Christianity. That was Jefferson’s beliefs, to ensure to government to stay out of the Church, not to get the Church out of the government. I am putting the famed letter in this post…

Letter to the Danbury Baptists

January 1, 1802

To messers. Nehemiah Dodge, Ephraim Robbins, & Stephen S. Nelson, a committee of the Danbury Baptist association in the state of Connecticut.

Gentlemen

The affectionate sentiments of esteem and approbation which you are so good…

View original post 224 more words

God in Modern America

Throwback Thursday for 4th of July

The Good Word

God is everywhere in America. Christianity is the number one religion, there are thousands of churches. He is mentioned in America’s most important documents, God’s word shaped our laws and foundation. Even “In God We Trust”, is on our money.

But unfortunately God is not in the hearts of many Americans.

The truth is Christians helped mold this nation more than any other group.

I highly suggest watching the PBS documentary, “God in America”, which is available here…https://www.pbs.org/godinamerica/view/

If you watch that series truly you will see how involved Christianity was in America throughout its history.

One point people always bring up to argue against having God’s influence on the nation is the separation of church and state but what many don’t realize is that law was put in place to protect the church from the government interfering and discriminating against churches. The law was based on a letter…

View original post 374 more words

God in Modern America

God is everywhere in America. Christianity is the number one religion, there are thousands of churches. He is mentioned in America’s most important documents, God’s word shaped our laws and foundation. Even “In God We Trust”, is on our money.

But unfortunately God is not in the hearts of many Americans.

The truth is Christians helped mold this nation more than any other group.

I highly suggest watching the PBS documentary, “God in America”, which is available here…https://www.pbs.org/godinamerica/view/

If you watch that series truly you will see how involved Christianity was in America throughout its history.

One point people always bring up to argue against having God’s influence on the nation is the separation of church and state but what many don’t realize is that law was put in place to protect the church from the government interfering and discriminating against churches. The law was based on a letter written by Thomas Jefferson.

Now groups are using the constitution to attack the church and force them to follow their beliefs.

The government is supposed to be neutral to religion not force them to follow secular views and laws.

For those who wish to read the letter here is a copy of the original letter written by Thomas Jefferson

“To messers. Nehemiah Dodge, Ephraim Robbins, & Stephen S. Nelson, a committee of the Danbury Baptist association in the state of Connecticut.

Gentlemen

The affectionate sentiments of esteem and approbation which you are so good as to express towards me, on behalf of the Danbury Baptist association, give me the highest satisfaction. my duties dictate a faithful and zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents, & in proportion as they are persuaded of my fidelity to those duties, the discharge of them becomes more and more pleasing.

Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should “make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” thus building a wall of separation between Church & State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.

I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection & blessing of the common father and creator of man, and tender you for yourselves & your religious association, assurances of my high respect & esteem.

Th Jefferson
Jan. 1. 1802.”

Lord I pray for the spiritual revival of this nation. We see more darkness in this country than ever before. Guide us God to be the light of the world as You asked to be. In Jesus name I pray for Your will to be done.

Amen.

Have a blessed week,

Chris.

Sources:
https://www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/9806/danpre.html

Thomas Jefferson-Freedom of Religion

This is going to be a short post. I have seen many comments from Atheists that love using Thomas Jefferson as an example for their argument to keep Religion out of the State. Many even point out the “Freedom of Religion” letter. However they probably have never read it, they couldn’t have. Because it is actually written to the Danbury Baptists in order to show them that the government would never infringe on their Christianity. That was Jefferson’s beliefs, to ensure to government to stay out of the Church, not to get the Church out of the government. I am putting the famed letter in this post…

 

Letter to the Danbury Baptists

January 1, 1802

To messers. Nehemiah Dodge, Ephraim Robbins, & Stephen S. Nelson, a committee of the Danbury Baptist association in the state of Connecticut.

Gentlemen

The affectionate sentiments of esteem and approbation which you are so good as to express towards me, on behalf of the Danbury Baptist association, give me the highest satisfaction. my duties dictate a faithful and zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents, & in proportion as they are persuaded of my fidelity to those duties, the discharge of them becomes more and more pleasing.

Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should “make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” thus building a wall of separation between Church & State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.

I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection & blessing of the common father and creator of man, and tender you for yourselves & your religious association, assurances of my high respect & esteem.

Th. Jefferson

 

http://www.heritage.org/initiatives/first-principles/primary-sources/jefferson-s-letter-to-the-danbury-baptists