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Jefferson's belief regarding Church and State was firmly planted in a freedom
of the States to regulate religion and allow the free exercise, as can be
demonstrated by his own words, in a letter to Samuel Miller in 1808, and
reflected in the Constitution's First Amendment rights:
- "I consider the government of the United States as
interdicted by the Constitution from intermeddling with religious
institutions, their doctrines, discipline, or exercises. This results not only
from the provision that no law shall be made respecting the establishment or
free exercise of religion, but from that also which reserves to the states the
powers not delegated to the United States. Certainly, no power to prescribe
any religious exercise or to assume authority in religious discipline has been
delegated to the General Government. It must then rest with the states, as far
as it can be in any human authority." --Thomas Jefferson
The phrase "separation of church and state" was coined from a passage in a
short response by Thomas Jefferson to a letter from the Danbury Baptist
Association, after he had just won the Presidency..
Gentlemen:
The affectionate sentiments of esteem and approbation which are so good to
express towards me, on behalf of the Danbury Baptist Association, give me the
highest satisfaction. My duties dictate a faithful and zealous pursuit of the
interests of my constituents, and in proportion as they are persuaded of my
fidelity to those duties, the discharge of them becomes more and more
pleasing.
Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and
his God; that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship; that
the legislative powers of the government reach actions only, and not opinions,
I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people
which declared that their legislature should `make no law respecting an
establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus
building a wall of separation between church and State. Adhering to this
expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of
conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those
sentiments which tend to restore man to all of his natural rights, convinced
he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties. I reciprocate your
kind prayers for the protection and blessings of the common Father and Creator
of man, and tender you and your religious association, assurances of my high
respect and esteem.
Thomas Jefferson
Jefferson was responding to a letter expressing concern that the national
government would attempt to exercise control over religion.
Links....
Quotations of Jefferson on Religion
Original Intent
of the Free Exercise of religion
The first amendment prevented the United States government -- specifically
Congress -- from establishing a religion or interfering with religion. The
vehicle for each of the states for regulating or allowing the free exercise of
religion was their state constitution and legislature. The
10th Amendment gave to the states all that was not expressly granted to
the Congress. Congress was not given the authority to prevent the
states from practicing a religion. Much to the contrary, Congress was
expressly forbidden from interfering with religion. How then, can the
courts require of the states what is forbidden by Congress?
If you wish to present criticisms and differing opinions please respond
to writeus@statesliberty.org or
use our feedback form.
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