On this day in 1786, writing from Paris to George Wythe in Virginia, Thomas Jefferson pens an eloquent description of the importance of religious freedom.
“I think by far the most important bill in our whole code is that for the diffusion of knowledge among the people. No other sure foundation can be devised, for the preservation of freedom and happiness.” -Thomas Jefferson
By “diffusion of knowledge” Jefferson is referring to “our act for freedom of religion,” which he mentions a few lines leading up to the above quote.
Jefferson believes that the freedom to live by one’s own beliefs are essential to liberty. That should be fairly easy to understand. Too bad there are too many radical Democrats who declare any mention of religion too offensive and therefore they want it purged entirely from society.
Absence of religion is not freedom of religion. Tolerance for those who believe something else is liberty.
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