In the research on Jefferson and the "Declaration" the sermon has taken some interesting turns. When you look at the words, "We find these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal and endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights and among these life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", you begin to get a picture of Jefferson's religion and his idea of God.
Unitarians claim Jefferson as one of their own although he never joined a Unitarian church. He was an Episcopalian but in his later years did not attend worship.
Jefferson believed strongly in the separation of Church and State. I doubt he would approve having flags in our sanctuary even on the Fourth of July because he realized danger when the state and the church were united and producing a coercive doctrine that was required to be maintained and sworn.
In thinking about Jefferson's idea of God we find he believed in the humanity of Jesus but not the divinity. He did not believe in an intervening God but felt that God or The Creator had put the universe in motion but that it was our responsibility to build the world as it should be built.
It was that kind of attitude that empowered Jefferson and the others to launch a statement of independence so filled with idealism that it seemed beyond a sense of reality.
How do you feel about Jefferson's God? Do you think God intervenes in human life? If so, how? If not, what is the function of prayer?
Do you agree with Jefferson that Jesus is a moral example and not a divine being?
What do you do with Jefferson's view of the separation of church and state?
If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the readers of the blog click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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