Monticello Speakers Forum: Thomas Jefferson and Religion

William and Mary professor David Holmes gesturing during his talk at Monticello

Professor Holmes speaking at Monticello

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» » Jefferson and Religion

Thomas Jefferson and Religion

On June 21, 2005, David Holmes, Professor of Religion at The College of William and Mary, listed out key points of Jefferson's religious beliefs and practices and offered an answer to the oft-asked question of whether the Author of the Declaration of American Independence might have been a Unitarian.
This talk was sponsored by SunTrust.

1. "I'm Arius of Alexandria, the talk of the town:" the Roots of Unitarianism (4:48)

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2. Michael Servetus and the Rebirth of "Anti-trinitarianism" (3:32)

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3. Servetus, Calvin, Socinus, and the Spread of Unitarianism (3:48)

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4. "A sect unto myself:" Three Points of Jefferson's Beliefs (3:56)

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5. Jefferson, the Deist (4:15)

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6. "The most sublime system of morals:" Jefferson's Jesus (4:50)

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7. Was Jefferson a Unitarian? (3:43)

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View a transcript of the above portion of the talk

Questions and Answers

Did Jefferson speak out more on his religion as he aged and did ever backstep on his declarations? (:57)

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What was the development of Jefferson's belief on the efficacy of prayer? (1:29)

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When did Jefferson find common cause with with Presbyrterians and Baptists and did he find conflict? (1:29)

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Did Jefferson say grace at meals? (:40)

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Does the high level of church attendance in the U.S. validate Jefferson's views belief in the freedom of religion? (1:02)

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