Jefferson's Letter to the Danbury Baptists Lee Weber Field Experience Coordinator University of Northern Iowa Thomas Jefferson was one of America’s most important thinkers and writers in the Revolutionary era, The Declaration of Independence is arguably the most famous of all American documents. But Jefferson the president differed strongly from his two predecessors, Washington and Adams, Washington was a classic Virginia Anglican, who was a regular participant in local church affairs, and often called upon the blessing of God on his country. Adams, from Puritan Massachusetts, was even more religious in personal and public life. Jefferson, by contrast, was a Deist, acknowledging publicly that he was “a sect unto myself.” He was a vocal dissenter to the Anglican Church’s position of prominence in Virginia, where the colonial legislature taxed citizens for the support of the church, and required weekly church attendance. During the election campaign of 1800, Jefferson was even attacked as being an atheist or “infidel,” by Federalist writers. Shortly after becoming the Chief Executive, Jefferson received a letter from clergy in Danbury, Connecticut, which commented on his religious views. The U.S. Supreme Court has cited this letter in case after case as the classic interpretation of the wordings of the first amendment. Questions for Discussion 1. Do an internet search for the original letter FROM the Danbury Baptists TO Jefferson. Their letter does not even call for a response. Why do you think Jefferson used the opportunity the way he did? 2. Historians have been able to uncover the fact that Jefferson asked for advice from his Attomey General, Levi Lincoln, before writing to the Danbury Baptists. Make an educated guess why you felt he might have done this, and then look at the Library of Congress web site to learn the actual reasons. Were you surprised by what you found? (Huston, James, “A Wall of Separation’ FBI Helps Restore Jefferson's Obliterated Draft,” accessed July 4, 2008, http://www.loc.gov/loc/Icib/9806/danbury.htm1 3. Over a century and half before Jefferson's letter, Rhode Island founder Roger Williams was quoted as saying, When they have opened a gap in the hedge or wall of separation between the garden of the Church and the wilderness of the world, God hath ever broke down the wall itself removed the candlestick, and made his garden a wilderness, as at this day: (Miller, Perry, "The Complete Writings of Roger Williams, Volume 1,” facsimile reprint of the 1964 edition published in New York by Russell & Russell, Inc., itself an enlarged version of the original produced in 1867 by the Narragansett Club Publications, Providence, Rhode Island, The Baptist Standard Bearer, 2005.) ‘Why do you think Jefferson, rather than Williams “separation of church and state?” is usually credited with being the source of the words 4. Jefferson's “wall” metaphor is very powerful. What do you see in your mind when we say, “wall?” Do you feel it is an accurate interpretation of the first amendment’s religion clauses? Explain why you feel the ‘metaphor is accurate, or explain what other metaphor might be better.Letter to Thomas Jefferson Danbury Baptist Association's letter t0 Thomas Jefferson, October 7, 1801 Sir, — Among the many millions in America and Europe who rejoice in your Election to office; we embrace the first opportunity which we have enjoyd in our collective capacity, since your Inauguration, to express our great satisfaction, in your appointment to the chief Majestracy in the United States; And though our mode of expression may be less courtly and pompious than what many others clothe their addresses with, we beg you, Sir to believe, that none are more sincere. Our Sentiments are uniformly on the side of Religious Liberty — That Religion is at all times and places a matter between God and individuals — That no man ought to suffer in name, person, or effects on account of his religious Opinions - That the legitimate Power of civil government extends no further than to punish the man who works ill o his neighbor: But Sir our constitution of government is not specific. Our ancient charter together with the Laws made coincident therewith, were adopted on the Basis of our government, at the time of our revolution; and such had been our Laws & usages, and such still are; that Religion is considered as the first object of Legislation; and therefore what religious privileges we enjoy (as a minor part of the State) we enjoy as favors granted, and not as inalienable rights: and these favors we receive at the expense of such degrading acknowledgements, as are inconsistent with the rights of freemen. It is not to be wondered at therefore; if those, who seek after power & gain under the pretense of government & Religion should reproach their fellow men — should reproach their chief Magistrate, as an enemy of religion Law & good order because he will not, dare not assume the prerogatives of Jehovah and make Laws to govern the Kingdom of Christ. Sir, we are sensible that the President of the United States, is not the national legislator, and also sensible that the national government cannot destroy the Laws of each State; but our hopes are strong that the sentiments of our beloved President, which have had such genial affect already, like the radiant beams of the Sun, will shine and prevail through all these States and all the world till Hierarchy and Tyranny be destroyed from the Earth. Sir, when we reflect on your past services, and see a glow of philanthropy and good will shining forth in a course of more than thirty years we have reason to believe that America’s God has raised you up to fill the chair of State out of that good will which he bears to the Millions which you preside over. May God strengthen you for the arduous task which providence & the voice of the people have called you to sustain and support you in your Administration against all the predetermined opposition of those who wish to rise to wealth & importance on the poverty and subjection of the people. And may the Lord preserve you safe from every evil and bring you at last to his Heavenly Kingdom through Jesus Christ our Glorious Mediator. Signed in behalf of the Association. Nehh Dodge Ephram Robbins The Committee Stephen S. NelsonJefferson’s Letter to Levi Lincoln Attorney General January 1, 1802 Averse to receive addresses, yet unable to prevent them, I have generally endeavored to turn them to some account, by making them the occasion by way of answer of sowing useful truths and principles among the people, which might germinate and become rooted among their political tenets. The Baptist address, now enclosed, admits of a condemnation of the alliance between Church and State, under the authority of the Constitution. It fumishes an occasion, too, which I have long wished to find, of saying why 1 do not proclaim fastings and thanksgivings, as my predecessor did. The address, to be sure, does not point at this, and its introduction is awkward. But I foresee no opportunity of doing it more pertinently. I know it will give great offense to the New England clergy; but the advocate of religious freedom is to expect neither peace nor forgiveness from them. Will you be so good as to examine the answer and suggest any alterations which might prevent an ill effect, or promote a good one, among the people? ‘You understand the temper of those in the North, and can weaken it, therefore, to their stomachs: it is at present seasoned for the Souther taste only. I would ask favor of you to return it, with the address, in the course of the day or evening. Health and affection. ‘Thomas JeffersonLevi LincoIn responded back as follows: The president of the U. States Janry,1s. 1802 Sir, I have carefully considered the subject you did me the honor of submiting to my attention. The people of the five N England Governments (unless Rhode Island is an exception) have always been in the habit of observing fasts and thanksgivings in performance; of proclamations from their respective Executives, this custom is venerable being handed down from our ancestors. The Republicans of those States generally have a respect for it. They regreted [2] very much the late conduct of the legislature of Rhode Island on this subject. I think the religious sentiment expressed in your proposed answer of importance to be communicated, but that it ‘would be best to have it so guarded, as to be incapable of having it construed into an implied censure of the usages of any of the States. Perhaps the following alteration after the words "but subject here" would be sufficient, vis (7], only to the voluntary regulations & discipline of each, respective sect, as mere religious exercises, and to the particular situations, usages & recommendations of the several States, in point of time & local circumstances. with the highest esteem & -. respect. yours, Levi Lincoln *Letter from Levi Lincoln to Thomas Jefferson, 1 January 1802, The Papers of Thomas Jefferson (Manuscript Division, Library of Congress), Series 1, Box 89, December 2, 1801 - January 1, 1802; Presidential Papers Microfilm, Thomas Jefferson Papers (Manuscript Division, Library of Congress) Series 1, Reel 25, November 15, 1801 - March 31, 1802*Jefferson's Letter to the Danbury Baptists To messers. Nehemiah Dodge, Ephraim Robbins, & Stephen S. Nelson, a committee of the Danbury Baptist association in the state of Connecticut. Gentlemen ‘The affectionate sentiments of esteem and approbation which you are so good as to express towards me, on behalf of the Danbury Baptist association, give me the highest satisfaction. my duties dictate a faithful and zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents, & in proportion as they are persuaded of my fidelity to those duties, the discharge of them becomes more and more pleasing. Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” thus building a wall of separation between Church & State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties. I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection & blessing of the common father and creator of man, and tender you for yourselves & your religious association, assurances of my high respect & esteem. Th Jefferson Jan. 1. 1802, Source: Library of Congress, American Memory Site, Www.loc.gov/loc/Icib/9806/danpre.html Note: Letter in its original draft form and final version may be found in: The Thomas Jefferson Papers Series 1. General Correspondence. 1651-1827 Thomas Jefferson to Danbury, Connecticut, Baptist Association, January 1, 1802. Image # 557, 558. http://memory.loc.gov,