"The clergy converted the simple teachings of Jesus into an engine for enslaving mankind and adulterated by artificial constructions into a contrivance to filch wealth and power to themselves...these clergy, in fact, constitute the real Anti-Christ." -- Thomas Jefferson
"Christianity...[has become] the most perverted system that ever shone on man....Rogueries, absurdities and untruths were perpetrated upon the teachings of Jesus by a large band of dupes and imposters led by Paul, the first great corrupter of the teaching of Jesus." --- Thomas Jefferson
"In every country and in every age the priest has been hostile to liberty; he is always in alliance with the despot, abetting his abuses in return for protection to his own." – Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the United States of America
"History, I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free civil government." - Thomas Jefferson
The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it to be always kept alive.– Thomas Jefferson
The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home. – James Madison
If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. -- James Madison
"In no instance have . . . the churches been guardians of the liberties of the people." - James Madison
"The Bible is not my book nor Christianity my profession. I could never give assent to the long, complicated statements of Christian dogma."
-- Abraham Lincoln
'When the government fears the people it is a democracy....when the people fear their government it is tyranny...' --- Thomas Jefferson
....
2007-07-29 03:34:27 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Taking a loose interpretation of "Priest ridden"...
YES!
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2007-07-29 03:46:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting quote, Inlud:
We must recognize that sometime infidels have been friends of religion and kept them in check.
I have read the Jeffersonian Bible which reduces Jesus to a philosopher. Although I was somewhat insulted by it, yet, it must be understood that many had fled to the U.S. to escape religious bigotry.
The Baptist Church has still resisted governmental influences because their predecessors were killed while just trying to be immersed. Adventists interpret the Bible to show a healing of the historical wound in religious dogma will again result in the enforcement of religious dogma by political sanctions. Just a few more terrorist attacks in the U.S. will make us realize we need to form a legal Christian nation, notwithstanding our Constitution.
There is a "end of the days" Bible code that identifies the main culprit in this. Please e-mail me for that information.
Shalom, peace in Jesus, Ben Yeshua
2007-07-29 03:45:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well said. When the fundamental truths of liberty, democracy and the separation of powers are forgotten, then the very spirit of a nation is a risk of being corrupted. Stand up and fight for what is right!
2007-07-29 03:38:50 · answer #3 · answered by spokehold 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even Jerry Falwell stopped calling the USA "A Christian Nation."
2007-07-29 03:39:13 · answer #4 · answered by JeepDiva 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not....you are ignorant of the history of this nation ....lying quotes will do you no good....
The Bible is the cornerstone of liberty". -- Thomas Jefferson"
" It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible". - George Washington
"That Book (the Bible), sir, is the Rock on which our Republic rests". - Andrew Jackson
"It is God who gave us life and liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed the conviction that these liberties are a gift from God?" - Thomas Jefferson
"It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God and to obey His will". -- George Washington
I suggest you quit trying to deceive others with your foolish phiilosophy...
2007-07-29 03:37:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Sadly, we're dangerously close to being a theocracy. Blame Falwell, Robertson, and the rest for that.
2007-07-29 04:08:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to ask? Seems like the answer should be obvious to anyone reading the paper.
Born again Burning Bush setting Iraq to the torch.
2007-07-29 03:38:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This was too long for me. What was your short version point or question?
2007-07-29 03:37:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋