Who wrote that "[R]eligion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, ...?

Question

that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship..."

And given the impact that this man's thoughts and actions have had, why don't we heed his advice and keep this matter private?

Why should anyone be accountable to anyone else for his/her faith or his/her worship?

Answer 1

Google reveals that Thomas Jefferson was the originator of this quote.

Wise words indeed.

> And given the impact that this man's thoughts and actions have had, why don't we heed his advice and keep this matter private?

People who are sincere in their religion, indeed do. For they are concerned with the attainment of its aims: Purity and Wisdom, Truth and Spiritual emancipation, for the sake of others, for the whole, and most importantly, for the sake of the Highest thing.

It is no folly however, for those with a sincere desire for understanding to inquire about it.

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding." - Proverbs 4:7

Those who seek to trumpet, or deride without purpose, other than their own gratification, who do not seek to clarify, enunciate and reveal, would best, for their own sake, and that of others, remain silent.


> Why should anyone be accountable to anyone else for his/her faith or his/her worship?

Those should be accountable when their faith or worship does not seek to fulfill the highest for all, or when it infringes upon the rights of others to seek the highest, or upon their freedom of choice and action.

But if one is sincere and devout in ones quest for the highest, with regard for the inclusive whole of which we are a part, then they are only accountable to their own inner being, and to the Highest thing.

And most especially, they are not accountable to the pining and demands of others who seek to gain conformance to their narrow and conflicting views.

"If you cannot help, then at least do your best not to hinder" -anonymous Llama

Answer 2

Thomas Jefferson in his "Letter to the Danbury Baptists" on January 1, 1802.

"Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God..."

History shows us that we almost never take good advice. We, as a group, tend to gather into smaller groups and see others as lesser people. It's a pathetic attempt to make yourself feel better.

I believe as you do, that we are only accountable to ourselves in regards to our religion and many other aspects of life.

Answer 3

"Mediator" in a million Tim 2:5-6 isn't used interior the sense of a spokesman. It refers back to the mediation (bringing approximately) of the recent Covenant, which became uniquely the artwork of Christ. because of fact of this verse 6 refers to his sacrifical loss of life, upon which the covenant rests. A efficient assessment verse for it is Heb 9:15, the place Christ is especially defined as "the mediator of a sparkling covenant".

Answer 4

Thomas Jefferson. No man can be accountable for another man's salvation but we are accountable for what we do or don't share with man.

Answer 5

Ah, but each one of us has the responsibility of learning about God. I do not intend that religion be forced on someone, but rather that religious dialog take place. Just like you are doing right now.

Answer 6

I believe it was Thomas Jefferson.....Another Great Virginian!!!

Not for sure, but certain Thomas Jefferson was a great Virginian.

Answer 7

Nobody is accountable for any ones faith.

This is a matter of choice.

Answer 8

thomas jefferson

Answer 9

if had to guess would say abe lincoln as that was his thoughts on it-old hippie here

Answer 10

i dunno but i'm gonna keep an eye on this question cuz that's a darn good quote.

I don't know why people don't, but we should heed the person's advice and "live and let live".