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Politics : Formerly About Advanced Micro Devices -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Cautious_Optimist who wrote (879711)	8/12/2015 1:27:09 PM
From: one_less	Respond to of 1578005

I like Jefferson. Except lately I've decided he messed up with his statement of inalienable rights. It was good that he prefaced it with "among these" because it reminds us, or at least is should, that there is a broader definition of inalienable rights. However, he supplanted the prevailing enlightened view, which was "life, liberty, and property." These three are essential while pursuit of happiness, although true, has no constitutional application. Now in modern times we see all sorts of attempts by the government to grab personal property and wealth.

To: Cautious_Optimist who wrote (879711)

8/13/2015 8:06:02 AM

From: POKERSAM

Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 1578005

CO Yes Jefferson is very interesting because he was a very complex individual. Here is the entire quote you referenced.

"Fix Reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve the homage of reason than of blindfolded fear. ... Do not be frightened from this inquiry by any fear of its consequences. "

I find nothing disagreeable here. I too believe that any honest reasoned inquiry into the existence of God will produce a recognition of "His Eternal Power and Godhead".

He believed that by the use of honest reason a belief in God and that God was active in the affairs of man was necessary.

"Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever; that considering numbers, nature and natural means only, a revolution of the wheel of fortune, an exchange of situation is among possible events; that it may become probable by supernatural interference! The Almighty has no attribute which can take side with us in such a contest."

His views can be described a Deism. However, it was Deism that must be defined in the context of the beliefs of his day which are different from today's usage. Theistic rationalism probably best describes his beliefs.

You mention George washington and John Adams. These two founders probably have the clearest Christian testimony of all. Note the personal prayer book of George Washington written in his own hand.

It is interesting to note that of late there has been an insidious and transparent attempt to destroy any awareness of the deep Christian faith of many of the founders of our country. It is understandable that professed non believers would have great interest in doing so.