If we did a good act merely from love of God and a belief that it is pleasing to Him, whence arises the morality of the Atheist? ...Their virtue, then, must have had some other foundation than the love of God.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Jefferson argues that atheists can be moral without belief in God, so morality must have a foundation beyond religion.
- In plain terms
- Atheists can be good without God, so morality doesn't need religion.
- What can you take from it?
- Morality exists independently of religious belief.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where does morality come from?
- Can religion exist without God?
Another view
Many believe religious faith is essential for strong moral behavior.
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