Thomas Jefferson Metaphysical Idealist Analysis

Having been adamant believers in such laws, the founding fathers thought the best way to protect the natural rights of American citizens was to establish laws that are in agreement with divine laws. They believed that God brought the world into being with series of principles by which it should be governed. From their perspective, the American people would not be able to continue to exist as an independent civilization without the protection of these principles. Thomas Jefferson, referring to Natural Law, wrote the following words in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" (The Declaration of Independence, U.S. 1776, para. 2). In writing those words in the Constitution, Jefferson believed that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness were part of the human nature that every human being is entitled to.

This can be seen in “One thing and only one thing, is necessary for Christian life, righteousness and freedom. That one thing is the most holy Word of God, the gospel of Christ, […]” (pg 5). This human condition of freedom can first be seen in the title of one of his famed work’s title “On Christian Liberty” which

Jefferson was strongly influenced by the belief that all humans have certain rights that cannot be taken away, and that these rights ought to be protected by a government. The resemblance between “the state of nature” and “the Declaration of Independence” are uncanny, Jefferson and Locke are consistently portraying the same ideas whether they mention the transition between the “Law of Nature” to the “Law of a Civil Society” or the concept of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (Jefferson “Declaration of Independence”). The main similarities between the two works are the ideas that mainly focused on equality. However, some major difference that stands out between the two documents are that the Social Contract is based off an agreement between civilians and a higher power, such as a monarchy, where civilians would give up some of their freedom to live in a governed society. While the Declaration of Independence mentions how a monarchy did not protect the rights of the citizens and therefore, developed a government that was based solely on the will of its

The Deism allowed Franklin to understand and tolerate different religion while maintaining his basics belief of divinity. Franklin criticizes that organized religions follow doctrines that interfere with people’s life unnecessarily. For example, even though Franklin respects the Quakers and their doctrines, he stresses that their “Principles against War” (Franklin 108) became a hindrance, not only to the government but also to the Quakers who “frequently” gave Franklin “Opportunities of seeing their Embarrassment” (Franklin 108) given by their

In contrast, I believe God created all things and defines good and evil through His creation and Word. And finally, as followers of God, our motivation for accomplishing good comes from our love for all God has done for us. Imagine a world without order, chaotic without a specific guide to right or wrong–a world without God. Antony considers herself a “moralistic atheist”, possessing similar beliefs to a humanitarian.

According to Calvin, the laws of the state should be positive laws that are grounded in God's law as revealed in nature and written in God’s Word. “Calvin’s views regarding government stemmed from his belief in the necessity of civil authority because of the depravity of man, his belief in providence, and his uncompromising certainty that God is sovereign over all things, including governments.” In “Prefatory

As such, each philosopher believes that religion—including its creeds and tenets—are subject to reason and to inquisitions that are based on reason. Moreover, these philosophers also subscribe to the notion that religion should not influence various areas of religion, such as government, unless it can do so in a way that is reasonable. Numerous people and institutions during the course of the respective lives of each of these thinkers would have argued differently: that religion could supersede reason in some instances and govern over aspects of life that have traditionally, and most prudently, been under the subjugation of reason. These two philosophers, however, would argue the converse and never put religion above reason.

He saw nonviolence as a potent weapon (Baldwin & Burrow, 192). This weapon seeks to destroy evil and injustice, not the people who practise them. It involves a social demonstration of love. Furthermore, in relation to his spiritual inclination, King believed that all human life belongs to God (Baldwin & Burrow, 196, 197). Humans have no right to decide who lives and who dies.

John Locke wrote the Second Treatise, a document in which he discusses the idea of the laws of Nature. From his understanding he believes that in order to fully understand what your government is like you need to view it in a natural way. All men are born equal, none of them are better or above one another. Each man his own separate rights. They have the freedom to order their own lives and property.

Jefferson states, “...the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them…”(262). This reference to God causes it to be easier to relate to what Jefferson is saying and become closer to his opinion. Another quote where God is referred to is, “...that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable Rights…”(262). With Jefferson alluding to God it also could give one insight and show that he is a religious based person and can create more knowledge of he, himself for the audience of the document. Overall, Jefferson’s uses of rhetorical devices throughout this document was extremely effective because it helped tremendously in creating more understanding for his position of the reasoning behind why the United States should gain freedom.

This makes perfect sense if Jonah feels that his culture and his ways are the correct way to live and worship. His oversight is the power of God’s love and what He can perform. We are all only human, just as Jonah was, but it is faith that separates.

Jefferson believed that the relationship between master and slave had an unhappy impact on the manners of Americans. It led to violent passions and great despotism. ' Our children see this, and learn to imitate it,' he said. Could the liberties of the nation be secured when the people no longer thought that they were a gift from god? Ultimately, Jefferson feared some shift in fate that would make masters pay for enslaving Africans.

Hypocrisy by Influential People: Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson once said, “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom (Monticello).” Though, former President Jefferson, was not the most truthful man out there.