he wouldn't put it in writing for all of posterity just to use it as a bargaining chip for some shipping lanes.
Surely you jest!
I have shown you and can show you quotes from many ofthem that denigrate religion.
I beg to differ. What many did not like is MEN"S wanting to control "religion" and again remember I never said ALL were Christian. A few could have been closet atheists, one or two were openly deists, but my contention is still that the majority were Christian men. (Imperfect to be sure, but I am not the judge.)
You still have shown NO quote of denying Christ!
Thomas Jefferson is one that hated the "rags in which they(the clergy) have enveloped it(Christianity)" <<one of his quotes>>
but notice this quote in a letter he wrote to Dr. Benjamin Rush on April 21, 1803:
My views...are the result of a life of inquiry and reflection, and very different from the 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; sincerely attached to his doctrine in preference to all others..
Couple of comments:
1. look at this: <<<My views...are the result of a life of inquiry and reflection, and very different from the anti-christian system imputed to me by those who know nothing of my opinions.>>>
Mark, there were people JUST like you then too. Saying that he was not a Christian, and knowing nothing about it. But you know what? I SUSPECT the very ones saying it were the CLERGY and the pious "Christians" right? ( Remember the other comment he made I posted above?)
2.<<<To the corruptions of Christianity I am , indeed, opposed;>>>
Mark, this verifies what I just said. Same as Jesus said, remember when Jesus spoke to the Pharisees, and teachers of the Law? He disdained them, because of their attitude.
3.<<but not to the genuine precepts of Jesus himself. I am a Christian in the only sense in which he wished anyone to be; sincerely attached to his doctrine in preference to all others>>
MArk, here he SAYS IT outright.. "I AM A CHRISTIAN IN THE ONLY SENSE THAT HE WISHED ANYONE TO BE: SINCERELY ATTACHED TO HIS DOCTRINE...
To be sure he did not like the "organization of religion" and what it had become..... but I know many Christians in that boat, don't you?
dan |
