Yearly Archives: 2018
Open-air Camp Meetings in Jefferson’s Area in Jefferson’s Day
Thomas Jefferson was not a lifelong skeptic. When Episcopal worship was available to him, he attended church regularly, faithfully. He also donated generously. Meanwhile, in his neck of the woods there were many revivals. Dr. Mark Beliles thinks that perhaps some of Jefferson’s later-in-life doubts of core Christian doctrines, e.g., …
Revival in Virginia During the Time of Thomas Jefferson
These letters are important evidence to understand Jefferson’s religious life for it shows that Jefferson clearly heard preachers outside of his own Anglican/Episcopal tradition prior to going to Washington. Before looking at more of Jefferson’s relationship with clergymen and religious groups while president in Washington, the previous reference to Presbyterian minister John Glendy’s preaching …
Jefferson Was More Friendly to Clergy Than We’re Led to Believe
Our book, DOUBTING THOMAS, shows that Thomas Jefferson had a much more nuanced view on Christianity than is often thought. He was not a lifelong atheist or closet skeptic. Earlier in life, he was a professing Christian. Later in life, he quietly questioned some core Christian doctrines. Then, in the …
President Jefferson and Religion
Our book, DOUBTING THOMAS, covers the religious life and legacy of our third president. We believe the evidence is overwhelming that Thomas Jefferson was not a lifelong skeptic—that said, he apparently doubted some major Christian doctrines later in life, at least on a private basis. Here we talk about some …
A National Cliff-Hanger
One of Jefferson’s Earliest Criticisms of Clergy
Jefferson Comes to Washington, DC in 1800—A Practicing Christian by Outward Appearances
On November 27, 1800, Jefferson moved to Washington, D. C. where the new Capitol opened. In Margaret Bayard Smith’s First Forty Years of Washington Society, she wrote: “…During the first winter, Mr. Jefferson regularly attended service on the sabbath-day in the humble church. …The custom of preaching in the Hall …