Thomas Jefferson on Separation of Church and State Essay...

Thomas Jefferson on Separation of Church and State A popular notion among many religious conservatives is the rejection of what is commonly referred to as the separation between church and state. They maintain the United States was founded by leaders who endorsed Christian principles as the cornerstone of American democracy, and that the First Amendment prohibition against government establishment was not intended to remove religion from public life. As a result, a number of disputes have made their way through to the courts, pitting those ready to defend the wall of separation, against those who would tear it down. Two recent cases have brought this battle to the forefront of political debate. The first involves an†¦show more content†¦These would include his writings, correspondence, and public and personal papers, much of which can be easily accessed through the Library of Congress, and other related Internet sites. When examining these documents one theme that overwhelmingly comes across is Jefferson’s reverence f or the establishment clause. While it is true that he personally had a deep respect for religious faith, he was also a staunch advocate of keeping religion and government unattached. When commenting on the issue, he invariably praised this as the principle upon which liberty is both exercised, and guaranteed. Jefferson’s admiration for the wall is rooted in the tenet that religion is essentially a private matter between oneself and God. Inherent in this implication is the premise that no one can compel another to worship, nor prescribe the manner in which it is done. We are all accountable to God only, and neither priests nor the government can tell us otherwise.[1] To Jefferson, the concept of freedom of religion, and the purpose of the First Amendment, is to â€Å"protect rights of conscience against the power of its public functionaries.†[2] All men have the right to look into their own souls and determine the best path, if any, toward God. Such freedom implies that there will be those who will conform to normal, or popular religious traditions, and those who will not. ReligiousShow MoreRelatedThe Separation Between Church And State1492 Words   |  6 Pages The separation between church and state ultimately preserves moderation within society and withholds an individual’s right of the first amendment. One to exercise his or her free right of religion stands as rights both alienable, natural right, and unalienable, God-given right. 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