Compulsion in religion is distinguished peculiarly from compulsion in every other thing. I may grow rich by art I am compelled to follow, I may recover health by medicines I am compelled to take against my own judgment, but I cannot be saved by a worship I disbelieve & abhor.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Jefferson distinguishes religious compulsion from other types, noting that one cannot be saved by worship they disbelieve.
- In plain terms
- You can force someone to take medicine or make art, but you cannot force them to truly believe in worship.
- What can you take from it?
- True belief cannot be compelled by force or law.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can faith exist without freedom?
- What distinguishes internal belief from external action?
Another view
It ignores social pressures that can shape belief without legal force.
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