sipsake

The Christian right levels this charge at Jefferson from time to time, I think in an attempt to discredit him in some way.

In a wonderful example of "how some things never change" because his personal beliefs did not conform to those of the mainstream church (he rejected the doctrine of the trinity, and therefore rejected the notion that Jesus WAS God; he did not believe in the New Testament miracles ascribed to Jesus; he believed the Book of Revelation was the raving of a lunatic) he could not possibly be a Christian.

This is ridiculous.

Jefferson was a lifelong Christian who believed that Christ was a saviour who brought to mankind a "system of morality was the most benevolent and sublime probably that has been ever taught, and consequently more perfect than those of any of the antient philosophers." (Ltr. to Joseph Priestly, Apr. 9, 1803.)"

Here's another quote for you.

A more beautiful or precious morsel of ethics I have never seen. It is a document in proof that I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus—very different from the Platonists, who call me infidel and themselves Christians and preachers of the gospel, while they draw all their characteristic dogmas from what its Author never said nor saw.
TJ to Charles Thomson (9 Jan. 1816), Bergh 14:385-86.

and another...

My views of [the Christian religion] are the result of a life of inquiry and reflection, and very different from that 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 doctrines in preference to all others.
TJ to Dr. Benjamin Rush (2l Apr. l803), Bergh 10:379-80.

Now show me why you think he's a deist.

__________________
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