Christian creeds and doctrines, the clergy's own fatal inventions, through all the ages has made of Christendom a slaughterhouse, and divided it into sects of inextinguishable hatred for one another.
Interpretation
This quote criticizes the divisive effects of religious doctrines on humanity and emphasizes the violence they can incite.
Thomas Jefferson expresses a strong disdain for organized religion, particularly the divisions and hatred that arise from Christian creeds and doctrines. He suggests that instead of promoting peace and unity, these belief systems have historically turned society into a chaotic and violent battleground, where sects of followers conflict with one another, contributing to a culture of hatred and slaughter. Jefferson's words serve as a caution against the dangers of dogma and the consequences of fanaticism.
In practice
During a discussion on the impact of religion on society, this quote could highlight the paradox of faith leading to conflict.
The firmness with which the (American) people have withstood the... abuses of the press, the discernment they have manifested between truth and falsehood, show that they may safely be trusted to hear everything true and false and to form a correct judgment between them.
I, place economy among the first & most important republican virtues, & public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared
βWe must make our choice between economy and liberty or confusion and servitude...If we run into such debts, we must be taxed in our meat and drink, in our necessities and comforts, in our labor and in our amusements...if we can prevent the government from wasting the labor of the people, under the pretense of caring for them, they will be happy.
Very many and very meritorious were the worthy patriots who assisted in bringing back our government to its republican tack. To preserve it in that, will require unremitting vigilance.
A nation, as a society, forms a moral person, and every member of it is personally responsible for his society.
Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.
Time heals griefs and quarrels, for we change and are no longer the same persons. Neither the offender nor the offended are any more themselves.
I have concluded the evident existence of God, and that my existence depends entirely on God in all the moments of my life, that I do not think that the human spirit may know anything with greater evidence and certitude.
Then others for breath of words respect, Me for my dumb thoughts, speaking in effect.
He wears a mask, and his face grows to fit it.
This stigma associated with drug use--the belief that bad kids use, good kids don't, and those with full-blown addiction are weak, dissolute, and pathetic--has contributed to the escalation of use and has hampered treatment more than any single other factor.
Angels and ministers of grace defend us.
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