The Jefferson Memorial
Mike the Mad Biologist reminded me of something that struck me during my recent trip to Washington, DC. My trip being, as it was, Fallout-themed, I of course had to visit the Jefferson Memorial, and the memorial made quite an impression on me, both for the rather imposing statue of Jefferson at its center and for the quotations that adorned its walls. Mike’s post, of course, primarily reminded me of this one, from a letter addressed to James Madison:
Almighty God hath created the mind free…All attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burthens…are a departure from the plan of the Holy Author of our religion…No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship or ministry or shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief, but all men shall be free to profess and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion. I know but one code of morality for men whether acting singly or collectively.
Obviously, that passage serves as a rather appropriate retort to any of this “America is a Christian nation! Freedom of religion, not freedom from religion!” bullshit, but, more circumspectly, I mainly just wish that more people had the sense to recognise that attempting to use the power of government force people to believe as they do isn’t in their own best interest. Political power changes hands quite frequently, and the shoe can wind up on the other foot at any time. It’s far better to pursue and promote universal principles of freedom both of and from any particular creed, because the power to compel can easily be turned against its first wielder.