And Jefferson’s recommended text book as President and ahead of the school system in DC(yes as president he was superintendent of DC schools)? The Bible!
Sorry to disillusion you, but Jefferson was no fan of the Bible. He reduced his own Bible to a few pages; the rest he thought was little more than myth and nonsense.
Not a place for debate on Tara’s wonderful thread, but I understand why you may think that, but you couldn’t be more off. Yes he wrote a summary book of the New Testament and abridged it to help the Indians understand it without the miracles. The misquoting from the American Atheist Society and others is long and unchecked. Jefferson, like all of us, went through stages of being very religious to less religious, but saying he was no fan of the Bible is out right wrong, especially when he advocated it in schools. Happy to discuss elsewhere and you can email. I teach classes on this and am happy to educate you or engage in discussion. As chair of the school board of DC (not superintendent. My bad) he advocated 2 books: the Bible and Watts hymnal. He is on record for advocating Christianity, prayer, Bible Societies, paying for his pew seats at church, donating to church and much more than I can write here.
In a letter to Franklin on 4/21/1803 - “My views… are the result of a life of inquiry and reflection, and very different from the anti-Christian system imputed to my by those who know nothing of my opinions. To the corruptions of Christianity I am, indeed, opposed: but not to the genuine precepts of Jesus himself. I am a Christian in the only sense in which he wished any one to be; sincerely attached to his doctrines in preference to all others.” - Thomas Jefferson
Our government leaders, 24/7 "news" and social media are exactly what Jefferson was warning about. A free thinking and educated citizenry wouldn't allow anyone else to make their decisions. Thank you Tara.
We have moved a long way from what Jefferson espoused in this quote. It’s sad how uninformed and unprepared several younger generations are to meet the challenges of today. We need to go back to the beginning and learn the true lessons of the establishment of our constitutional republic. We are very close to losing it. We have allowed some very bad actors to take charge. Perhaps it will take all, most or at least a majority of Americans to care enough to make the necessary changes. It requires some strong leadership with the courage of their convictions. Another perfect post, Tara!
That’s what so sad about the current state of public education. We have allowed our schools to no longer teach “basics” , reading, writing, math, true science and true history. They have now become places of social engineering and liberal indoctrination.
An amazing and tremendous story of Thomas Jefferson‘s wisdom and understanding of human nature. Education is so very important to self-govern. Thanks for another relevant truth, Professor!
And Jefferson’s recommended text book as President and ahead of the school system in DC(yes as president he was superintendent of DC schools)? The Bible!
Sorry to disillusion you, but Jefferson was no fan of the Bible. He reduced his own Bible to a few pages; the rest he thought was little more than myth and nonsense.
Not a place for debate on Tara’s wonderful thread, but I understand why you may think that, but you couldn’t be more off. Yes he wrote a summary book of the New Testament and abridged it to help the Indians understand it without the miracles. The misquoting from the American Atheist Society and others is long and unchecked. Jefferson, like all of us, went through stages of being very religious to less religious, but saying he was no fan of the Bible is out right wrong, especially when he advocated it in schools. Happy to discuss elsewhere and you can email. I teach classes on this and am happy to educate you or engage in discussion. As chair of the school board of DC (not superintendent. My bad) he advocated 2 books: the Bible and Watts hymnal. He is on record for advocating Christianity, prayer, Bible Societies, paying for his pew seats at church, donating to church and much more than I can write here.
In a letter to Franklin on 4/21/1803 - “My views… are the result of a life of inquiry and reflection, and very different from the anti-Christian system imputed to my by those who know nothing of my opinions. To the corruptions of Christianity I am, indeed, opposed: but not to the genuine precepts of Jesus himself. I am a Christian in the only sense in which he wished any one to be; sincerely attached to his doctrines in preference to all others.” - Thomas Jefferson
Our government leaders, 24/7 "news" and social media are exactly what Jefferson was warning about. A free thinking and educated citizenry wouldn't allow anyone else to make their decisions. Thank you Tara.
Sticking your head in the sand and hoping the government will treat you right is a sure guarantee of tyranny.
Too bad that Jefferson didn't foresee the Marxist leanings that would infestate the future American education system.
Betsy Tara Ross I long for the days when history teachers actually read history, and cared less for their concerns about correct pronouns!
I have learned much from President Jefferson. He was a excellent role model.
We have moved a long way from what Jefferson espoused in this quote. It’s sad how uninformed and unprepared several younger generations are to meet the challenges of today. We need to go back to the beginning and learn the true lessons of the establishment of our constitutional republic. We are very close to losing it. We have allowed some very bad actors to take charge. Perhaps it will take all, most or at least a majority of Americans to care enough to make the necessary changes. It requires some strong leadership with the courage of their convictions. Another perfect post, Tara!
Oh, how true!
Truer words were never spoken!!
Take factual education away from the populace and freedom shrinks and dependence grows!
Thank you Tara!
That’s what so sad about the current state of public education. We have allowed our schools to no longer teach “basics” , reading, writing, math, true science and true history. They have now become places of social engineering and liberal indoctrination.
Exactly right! Enjoy your weekend Tara.
👍👍👍
Thank you, Tara.
An amazing and tremendous story of Thomas Jefferson‘s wisdom and understanding of human nature. Education is so very important to self-govern. Thanks for another relevant truth, Professor!
Words of wisdom.
Bingo!
🇺🇸 "if a nation expects to be ignorant & free, in a state of civilisation, it expects what never was & never will be. 🇺🇸
Thanks TR!!