Thomas Jefferson

BLOG
A Brief Analysis of the Free Speech vs. Hate Speech Debate
In one of his many letters stressing the importance of education, Thomas Jefferson wrote that, “as long as we may think as we will, & speak as we think, the condition of man will proceed in improvement.
BLOG
Adams, Jefferson, Religion & Freedom
A while ago I wrote a post about a squabble in Arizona over whether a humanist could give a benediction to the state legislature that didn’t mention God. There were strong feelings on each side.
BLOG
Humanity vs. a Higher Power and the Arizona Invocation
An atheist member of the Arizona legislature caused a small stir recently when she offered up a humanist invocation calling on her fellow representatives to “remember the humanity that resides with each and every person here, and each and every person in the city, and in all people in the nation and
BLOG
In God We May Still Trust
The venerable phrase “In God We Trust” has survived yet another legal attack and will continue to appear on the bills and coins in your pocket. A recent decision by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Paul, Minnesota, confirmed similar decisions
Religious Freedom Day 2021: A Time to Look Back in Order to Move Forward
This Religious Freedom Day, more than any other since it was instituted over a quarter century ago, is an occasion to rededicate ourselves to its most fundamental tenets of liberty and equal dignity for all.
BLOG
Religious Freedom: Why Are We Still Talking About This?
We need to grow up. We need to stop acting like mean girls making fun of our classmates or children fighting over a basketball.
BLOG
Thomas Jefferson and the Freedom to Believe
As a 7th grader, I visited the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C., where there is a quote in huge letters around the inner dome of the building. It reads: “ I have sworn upon the altar of god, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.
BLOG
Thomas Jefferson and the True Spirit of Scientology
As a 7th grader, I visited the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. The quote in HUGE letters around the inner dome reads: “I have sworn upon the altar of god, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man." When I read it, a chill ran down my spine.
BLOG
What is “Separation of Church and State” About Anyway?
I recently read an article in which the author asserted that the purpose of freedom of religion and “separation of church and state” is to protect religion from government (not the other way around).
BLOG
What We Celebrate Each January 16 for Religious Freedom Day
The First Amendment, being words on paper, cannot defend against anything. It is only people—those who take those words and turn them into living, breathing ideas—that can make a difference.