In reading the links you referred to----there is one major point I would make that ----The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are inseparable and not separate as these links would have the reader to believe.
These were the documents upon which this great nation was built and founded and remain effective today. The Declaration of Independence is not amenable. The Constitution, under parliamentary procedure and law, can be amended with 2/3 of the states ratifying an amendment.And, of course, the Supreme Court interprets and reinterprets depending upon who is sitting.
Many of our ancestors came to America to escape religious persecution, to practice their religions. or due to imprisonment because of being debtors or petty criminals. They came because of a very deep belief in freedom to be Christians, Quakers, Hugenots, Palentines etc.
Yes, Jefferson was a man of science, enlightment, a writer, a thinker, a believer in justice for all with a deep concern for our nation. In his letters, he was obviously writing to acquaintenances and searching through private dialogue to know what he believed.
I am not convinced that Jefferson was not a Christian based upon what I have read on the sites to which you referred. One only needs to visit the beautiful Monticello to understand that Jefferson was a blessed man deigned to lead our nation---chosen if you will.
Philosophically, some may call Jefferson a Deist. However, philosphy and religion are not necessarily the same. Was Jefferson a Christian or not a Christian is a question that I believe no one can answer definitively---this is between Jefferson and his God.
An aside, I noted the beautiful pictures you have of Hawaii in your profile. Thanks. Lived there several times-----and enjoyed getting to know the people with all of the diversity.
mj |
