Thomas Jefferson and The God Who Gave Us Liberty : Christian Nationalist? or Secular Deist?

During the 250th anniversary of American independence, questions have resurfaced about the original principles of the nation's Founding Fathers alongside modern worries regarding "Christian Nationalism."The Religious Life and Legacy of Thomas Jefferson goes to the core of these questions with evidence never seen before. Drawing from their larger work, Doubting Thomas?, the authors present a powerful but cogent study of Thomas Jefferson, the author of America's birth certificate-the Declaration of Independence. Through a chronological record of Jefferson's writings and actions on religion-including newly uncovered letters-this insightful resource reveals a man privately questioning some beliefs yet boldly affirming himself as a Christian, as well as being an advocate of nondenominational state support of religion. The authors then trace Jefferson's enduring religious legacy, from his role in securing religious freedom to founding the University of Virginia. Here the modern view of a strict separation of church and state is overwhelmingly proven to be contrary to the thinking and intentions of Jefferson and America's founders. Every American patriot should get reacquainted with America's founding principles and especially with the iconic figure of Thomas Jefferson. This volume is an essential reference for a new generation of patriots, scholars, and especially American Christians seeking to recover from historical amnesia and reconnect with the foundations of the greatest nation on earth.