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The Thomas Jefferson Discussion Group
of Orlando, Florida
Meeting No. 29 - September 17, 2003
Holiday House Restaurant, Orlando, Florida
THIS MONTH'S TOPIC:
RELIGION, THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION AND THOMAS JEFFERSON
Jefferson fervently believed in the importance of separation of church and state.
Jefferson believed, ...that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, and that he owes account to none other for his faith or worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions. (and, based on the “establishment cause” in the Bill of Rights, our Constitution had the effect of) ...building a wall of separation between Church and State. Thomas Jefferson to Danbury Baptists, 1802
- What would Jefferson say about the recent Federal Court ruling to remove the Ten Commandments monument from the Alabama State Courthouse?
- What would Jefferson say about the Senate’s tactic to deny a straight majority vote for approval of Bush administration Federal judge nominations through the use of filibuster? Consider Article 6 of our Constitution:
...all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States. (my underline)
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