What did Thomas Jefferson mean by this?

Question

"I do not find in orthodox christianity one redeeming feature."

I think he might be refering to organized christianity (churches). My research has not led me to any conclusions though. Your thoughts.

Answer 1

I think the founding fathers had had too much experience with the power, control and oppression inflicted by Christianity and Jefferson's quote expresses that quite clearly. He knew too well what it was like when church got involved with government and in peoples personal lives and knew it should not have power over those things in the US.

Unfortunately so many Americans today are clueless of this and seem determined to recreate history by making America a Christian controlled nation.

For everyone sake, I hope they are unsuccessful.


“Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it” George Santayana

Answer 2

In this quote I think he was commenting specifically on Orthodox Christianity (a branch of Christianity closely related to Romain Catholics), and was simply stating that he did not find one redeemable feature about it, that it was worth nothing. And its a good thing he didn't, or every free thinking person in this country could have been crucified in the name of God by now.

Answer 3

Orthodox Christianity is the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Answer 4

"I have recently been examining all the known superstitions of the world, and do not find in our particular superstition [Christianity] one redeeming feature. They are all alike founded on fables and mythology."

As with many spurious Jefferson quotes, it is frequently seen on various Internet sites. Many sites do not cite a source, but a good number of those that do attribute this quote to a letter from TJ to a "Dr. Wood." As far as we know, TJ never wrote to an individual calling him/herself Dr. Wood. Another suspicious element is the statement that he does not find in Christianity "one redeeming feature." One presumes that Jefferson did, in fact, find some redeeming features in Christianity, otherwise he would not have taken the time to paste together his own versions of the Bible.

Answer 5

I think he is definitelly referring to organized religon (Catholic Church, etc.).....Remember Thomas Jefferson had to deal with Catholics, Anglicans, etc. He probably saw organized religion as nothing but political insitutions out for their own ends......he's not exactly incorrect. I think Jefferson was more of an Individual who believed in the Enlightenment ideals of Reason and Rational Principle.....not dogmas of relgious institutions.(think for yourself!!)

Answer 6

I believe he was commenting on how institutions like the Church of England muck up secular government.

Answer 7

I don't know, but lets not forget he never claimed to be a Christian.

He was one of four founding fathers who was not a Christian.