While it is true that Jefferson, being a Unitarian, was not as orthodox in his Christian faith as some, he held a reverence and fear of God which few in office hold today. Furthermore, Jefferson ignited and implemented political and social programs that directly used Scriptural principles and maxims. It may be said that Jefferson’s public service was marked by a “warm opposition to authoritarianism.” (i.e. enforced authority.) It was clear that he despised tyranny. For Jefferson, he had “sworn upon the alter of God, eternal hostility to every form of tyranny over the mind of man.” He made famous the motto, “Rebellion against tyrants, is obedience to God.”

     It must be established that Jefferson understood what so may civil leaders and common folk today do not. He understood that firstly, God is the Lord and Ruler of the Universe, and that He has the power to lead and guide the affairs of men. In his 1801 First Inaugural address he stated:
“...And may that Infinite Power which rules the destinies of the universe, lead our councils to what is best...”

     He also was acutely aware that God brings swift judgment upon a nation that forsakes His precepts.  In 1781 Jefferson declared, “Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever.”

     Jefferson also acknowledged the principles of Christianity as pure and useful in all affairs of life, so as to be obeyed. In his letter to John Adams dated 1813, Jefferson wrote,

     “In extracting the pure principles which Jesus taught ...there will be found remaining the most sublime and benevolent code of morals which has ever been offered to man.”

     Again he wrote to Jared Sparks on November 4, 1820:

“I hold the precepts of Jesus as delivered by Himself, to be the most pure, benevolent and sublime which have been ever preached to man.”

     Of his own personal standing in the Christian faith Thomas Jefferson stated in a letter dated January 9, 1816:

     “A more beautiful or precious morsel of ethics I have never seen; it is a document in proof that I am a real Christian; that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus.”

     In a letter to James Madison on August 30, 1823 Jefferson also wrote:

     “I know that I turned to neither book nor pamphlet while writing it. (i.e. the Declaration of Independence) I did not consider it as any part of my charge to invent new ideas altogether, and offer no sentiments which had never been expressed before... I pray God that these principles may be eternal, and close the prayer with my affectionate wishes for yourself of long life, health and happiness.”

     Although Jefferson is often doubted as a man who expounded, declared and practice the principles of Christianity in public life, we must reflect upon other Jefferson writings and policies to draw accurate conclusions. Let us focus upon some objections and answers.

Objection: Jefferson avoided mixing his religious ;life with his public and political life.

Answer: Not only was Thomas Jefferson vocal about his stand on Christianity, but on December 3, 1803, as President of the united States, he recommended that Congress pass a treaty with the Kaskaskia Indians with an annual support for missionaries to be paid out of the federal treasury to teach them the Christian Religion.
     “For the sole use of Christian Indians and the Moravian Brethren missionaries for civilizing the Indians and promoting Christianity.”

     He also as President signed bills which appropriated financial support for Chaplains in Congress, and recommended that all those in the armed forces “diligently attend divine services.” To Jefferson, divine services meant Christian Worship.

     While President, Jefferson chaired the school board for the District of Columbia where he proposed and implemented his plan for education. The plan stated that the Bible, and Isaac Watts’ Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, be used as the principle books for teaching and reading.

     In establishing the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson not only encouraged the teaching of the Christian religion, but dedicated an area inside the Rotunda for Chapel services. Jefferson’s entire life was interwoven with the precepts of Christianity, both privately and publicly.