Natural Rights and Civil Religion in Thomas Jefferson

Presenter: Lee Ward:

  Thomas Jefferson is well known as the author of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson also played an important role in redefining the role of religion in modern democratic society. This presentation looks at Jefferson’s efforts to create the foundation of a civil religion that would be compatible with natural rights and democratic governments. Jefferson’s efforts to rewrite the Gospels is a central part of his larger project to establish a moral philosophy that is adapted to what Jefferson takes to be the political, social and economic requirements of a democratic age.