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You ask if I mean to publish anything on the subject of a letter of mine to my friend Charles Thompson? Certainly not. I write nothing for publication, and last of all things should it be on the subject of religion. On the dogmas of religion as distinguished from moral principles, all mankind, from the beginning of the world to this day, have been quarrelling, fighting, burning and torturing one another, for abstractions unintelligible to themselves and to all others, and absolutely beyond the comprehension of the human mind. Were I to enter on that arena, I should only add an unit to the number of Bedlamites.

Thomas Jefferson#91

ReligionBeliefPeaceDogmaWriting

About this quote

What does it mean?
Jefferson avoids writing about religious dogma to avoid conflict and division.
In plain terms
He refuses to discuss religious doctrines that cause fighting and hurt.
What can you take from it?
Avoid religious dogmas to prevent unnecessary conflict.

Where it applies

  • personal correspondence
  • religious discourse
  • public debate

Putting it to work

  • focus on moral principles over doctrine
  • avoid sectarian arguments

Questions to consider

  • How can faith be discussed without division?
  • When is silence better than speech on belief?

Another view

Religious discussion can be meaningful without causing conflict.

More from Thomas Jefferson

  1. It is in our lives, and not from our words, that our religion must be read. By the same test the world must judge me. But this does not satisfy the priesthood.…

    Permalink to quote #90
  2. I may say Christianity itself divided into it's thousands also, who are disputing, anathematizing and where the laws permit burning and torturing one another f…

    Permalink to quote #92
  3. Bigotry is the disease of ignorance, of morbid minds; enthusiasm of the free and buoyant. Education & free discussion are the antidotes of both.

    Permalink to quote #89

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