But, Jefferson himself was a religious man. Jefferson even led a prayer in his Second Inaugural Address. And, it has been written:
What Jefferson omits in his letter, and which is under-examined in the book, is that the primary distinction for Jefferson is not the issue of direct and indirect support, or proclamation and recommendation. Rather, the primary distinction for Jefferson is promoting religion for the health of the republic (the political purpose of religion) versus promoting it for the salvation of people's souls. It seems that government may indirectly support the former but never the latter. This is the import of his asking Americans to join him in prayer in the Second Inaugural. Doing so assists the republic; whether it assists people in attaining salvation is of no concern for government. Whether there can be a conflict between one's conscience (what "Nature's God" commands) and the health of the republic (what the "Laws of Nature" commands [see Declaration of Independence]), depends on how one comprehends Jefferson's understanding of natural right, which is outside the scope of this book.
From a review that may be found at the following: Link.
2 comments:
Thanks for your comments, John.
Do you think that it makes a difference for America, however, that Jefferson believed in a Deist God rather than the Christian God?
I think that Jefferson clearly saw a role for God in public life. He was concerned that religion should not overwhelm public discourse -- and surely you and I can agree that it is possible for that to occur. But I think that he believed that there was a power greater than mankind in the universe that was other than Nature itself.
Would you agree?
Quite astute, John. I think you and I agree on this issue.
God is not a concept to be feared in this gracious nation.
We do need to avoid extremes, because God has often been used cynically by those in power to advance their own ends.
The best guarantee against excess is a nation that understands both the roots of our Republic and the proper role of faith in our society.
Thanks for your great comments.
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