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The truth is, that the greatest enemies of the doctrine of Jesus are those, calling themselves the expositors of them, who have perverted them to the structure of a system of fancy absolutely incomprehensible, and without any foundation in his genuine words. And the day will come when the mystical generation of Jesus, by the supreme being as his father in the womb of a virgin will be classed with the fable of the generation of Minerva in the brain of Jupiter : But may we hope that the dawn of reason and freedom of thought in these United States will do away with this artificial scaffolding, and restore to us the primitive and genuine doctrines of this most venerated reformer of human errors.

Thomas Jefferson#126

ReligionFaithReasonJesusCriticismTheology

About this quote

What does it mean?
Jefferson criticizes religious institutions for complicating Jesus's message with unfounded mystical claims, arguing that reason will eventually restore the original, simple teachings.
In plain terms
Religious leaders have overcomplicated Jesus's message with made-up stories.
What can you take from it?
Stick to simple, genuine beliefs rather than complex systems.

Where it applies

  • religious debate
  • theological study
  • personal faith

Putting it to work

  • question religious dogma
  • focus on core teachings
  • promote free thought

Questions to consider

  • What are the genuine teachings of Jesus?
  • Can reason replace mystery?

Another view

Some argue that mystical elements are essential to faith.

More from Thomas Jefferson

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