Religious Freedom
"I am of a sect by myself, as far as I know."
Jefferson and Religion - What you need to know
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Look Deeper: Jefferson and Religion
Video: Salome Bearing the Head of St. John the Baptist
In this short video, Justin Bates takes us to the Parlor at Monticello to share the important story of this painting and its connections to religious freedom in America.
Live Q&A: Thomas Jefferson & Religion
Thomas Jefferson, interpreted by Bill Barker, discuses his Christian upbringing, how he combined Enlightenment reason with faith, and how his views changed over the course of his life.
Jefferson, Religion, and Politics
A Wall of Separation
While serving as President in 1802, Jefferson wrote a letter to the Danbury Baptists, and intended for broad distribution, that the Constitution had created “a wall of separation between Church & State.”
Election of 1800
Edward Larson discusses the role religion played in the 1800 election. In this excerpt, he highlights some of the arguments, from the clever to the absurd, each side published in the months prior to the election.
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
Virginia enacted "A Bill For establishing religious freedom" in 1786, ensuring "that no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever,"
The Statute would go on to play a critical role in the development of American religious freedom and lay the groundwork for the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Look Deeper at Virginia's Statue of Religious Freedom
Passing the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
John Ragosta discusses the development, passage, and shortcomings of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, an achievement Jefferson defined as one of his most important.
Jefferson's Personal Religious Ideas
Jefferson's Beliefs and Quotations
Personally, Jefferson was deeply committed to core ethical teachings of Jesus, but he rejected Jesus’s divinity, resurrection, atonement, and original sin. He attended and contributed to a number of different churches and at various times described his beliefs as “Christianism” or “Unitarian.”
The Jefferson Bible
Jefferson twice clipped verses from the New Testament of the Bible to create his own version of the four Gospels, leaving out what he deemed unsupportable, including the miracles, the resurrection, and the letters of the evangelists.
Look Deeper: Jefferson's Views
David Holmes, retired Professor of Religion at The College of William and Mary, lists out key points of Jefferson's religious beliefs. See more of this talk »
More Resources
The Shop at Monticello
The Jefferson Bible
Thomas Jefferson put together "The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth" by extracting text from the Gospels in Greek, Latin, French and English. Known as "The Jefferson Bible," several editions are available for purchase.
Thomas Jefferson's Qur'an
In this original and illuminating book, Denise A. Spellberg looks at the ideals that existed at our country's creation, and their fundamental implications for our present and future.
Religious Freedom: Jefferson's Legacy, America's Creed
Historian and lawyer John Ragosta provides a new perspective on Jefferson, the First Amendment, and religious liberty within the United States.
