Much like how people cherry pick parts of the Bible to suit their needs. They take the passage out of context with no reguard as to the true meaning behind the verse.
I have to admit that I have been guilty of this myself. Thankfully, I am open to hear where my assumptions are out of line. Many today want NOTHING to do with any correction or discussion of how far off base they actually are.
I expected that to come up. I won't say I'm baffled by it for a couple of reasons: 1) as I believe I stated, though he considered himself a "disciple of Christ," Jefferson was not, by definition, truly a Christian; 2) Jefferson was human.
The fact is, all humans have failings, even Christians. That is not a reproach against Christianity, but rather, a recognition of our fallen nature. Failure of a Christian to uphold the Christian faith does not disprove Christianity, but rather, stands as evidence of a foundational tenet that people are fallen, by nature, and therefore on need of a savior.
Regardless, Jefferson did still hold the teachings of Christ in the highest regard, as did all of the founding fathers, and they expected the vast majority of the population would do so as well.
Much like how people cherry pick parts of the Bible to suit their needs. They take the passage out of context with no reguard as to the true meaning behind the verse.
I have to admit that I have been guilty of this myself. Thankfully, I am open to hear where my assumptions are out of line. Many today want NOTHING to do with any correction or discussion of how far off base they actually are.
Or even just with owning slaves.
I expected that to come up. I won't say I'm baffled by it for a couple of reasons: 1) as I believe I stated, though he considered himself a "disciple of Christ," Jefferson was not, by definition, truly a Christian; 2) Jefferson was human.
The fact is, all humans have failings, even Christians. That is not a reproach against Christianity, but rather, a recognition of our fallen nature. Failure of a Christian to uphold the Christian faith does not disprove Christianity, but rather, stands as evidence of a foundational tenet that people are fallen, by nature, and therefore on need of a savior.
Regardless, Jefferson did still hold the teachings of Christ in the highest regard, as did all of the founding fathers, and they expected the vast majority of the population would do so as well.