Not Thomas Jefferson Neither
“I do not find in Christianity one redeeming feature. It is founded on fables and mythology.”
—Attributed to Thomas Jefferson by Backyard Skeptics
Soon to be featured on a billboard in Orange County.
Except there’s no evidence Jefferson ever said or wrote it.
Brought to you by the people who prize verifiable facts above all else.
Lars Walker
October 29, 2011 at 4:00 PM
Idiots. By all accounts Jefferson considered himself a Christian, of the “genuine” sort–that is, inspired by Christ’s morals, not interested in theology. He was wrong, but he never denigrated Christianity as such.
Barry Arrington
October 30, 2011 at 6:21 PM
It took me about 30 seconds on Google to find this:
“To the corruptions of Christianity I am indeed, opposed; but not to the genuine precepts of Jesus himself. I am a Christian, in the only sense in which he wished any one to be; sincerely attached to his doctrines, in preference to all others; ascribing to himself every human excellence; and believing he never claimed any other.”
Lipscomb, Andrew A. and Albert E. Bergh, eds. The Writings of Thomas Jefferson. Washington, D.C.: Thomas Jefferson Memorial Association of the United States, 1903-04. Vol X, pg. 380.
Lars, your judgment is harsh but, I believe, warranted.
kerner
November 6, 2011 at 5:06 PM
I’m pretty sure that’s not Thomas Jefferson. I guess its Larry Fine. But I always confuse him with this guy. And this is the only clip I could fond of him discussing his religion.