Thomas Jefferson was a deist...
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Thomas Jefferson was a deist. Deism rejects supernatural revelation and the intimate involvement of God in Creation. Though deists have a concept of God, they believe that reason and natural laws govern the world. This is often why deism is referred to as the "first cause." God was the principal act, the first cause, in Creation, but then distanced himself. This is also why deism is often referred to as the "clockmaker god." Just as one winds up a clock and lets it run its course, they believe that God wound up Creation and similarly let it tick off on its own.
Jefferson took this belief to such an extreme that he edited his own gospel. He removed all references to the supernatural and miracles and kept in his gospel only the teachings of Jesus as they related to interpersonal relationships. Yet, in the closing years of his life Jefferson came to believe in prayer and life after death. This is hardly the theological affirmations of a deist. It demonstrates that, in time, Jefferson's views became more orthodox.
Isaiah says, "You are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are the work of your hand." Throughout Jefferson's life, God never gave up on the molding process.
Jefferson took this belief to such an extreme that he edited his own gospel. He removed all references to the supernatural and miracles and kept in his gospel only the teachings of Jesus as they related to interpersonal relationships. Yet, in the closing years of his life Jefferson came to believe in prayer and life after death. This is hardly the theological affirmations of a deist. It demonstrates that, in time, Jefferson's views became more orthodox.
Isaiah says, "You are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are the work of your hand." Throughout Jefferson's life, God never gave up on the molding process.
