I have recently finished the book
The Real Thomas Jefferson (American Classic Series)
and I have begun to read the book
George Washington's Sacred Fire
. Both of these books are good at explaining that these two Founding Fathers were not the Athiests or Diests that many historians have created them to be. Don't take my word for it, here are a few quotes from Washington and Jefferson that explain their faith:
"My views of [the Christian religion] are the result of a life of inquiry and reflection, and very different from that anti-Christian system imputed to me by those who know nothing of my opinions. To the corruptions of Christianity I am indeed opposed; but not to the genuine precepts of Jesus himself. I am a Christian, in the only sense in which he wished anyone to be--sincerly attached to his doctrines in preference to all others."
"If the Freedom of religion guaranteed to us by law in theory can never rise in practice under the overbearing inquisition of public opinion, truth will prevail over fanaticism, and the geniune doctrines of Jesus, so long perverted by his psuedo-priests, will again be restored to their original purity. This reformation will advance with the other improvements of the human mind, but too late for me to witness it." -Thomas Jefferson, The Real Thomas Jefferson pg. 300-301
"On my honor and faith of a Christian..."
"No Man has a more perfect Reliance on the all-wise, and powerful dispensations of the Supreme Being than I have nor thinks his aid more necessary."
"The man must be bad indeed who can look upon the events of the American Revolution without feeling the warmest gratitude towards the great Author of the Universe whose devine interposition was so frequently manifested in our behalf." -George Washington, George Washington's Sacred Fire pg. 25, 31, 37
Well, if the very words of our First President and the Writer of the Declaration of Independance don't make the case that they were Christians and not Diests or Athiests I suppose nothing will.
2 comments:
It's the only thing we can fully trust. The actual words of the founders. Fortunately they were mostly prolific letter writers.
It's interesting that Washington and his wife and a long line of his and her ancestors were part of the delegation that appeared in the St George temple and asked to have their temple work done.
It is indeed. Jefferson was there also.
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