In his August 22, 1813 letter to John Adams, Thomas Jefferson expands on their discussions of religion, rational inquiry, and morality. He criticizes religious orthodoxy and priestly manipulation, arguing that theological distortions have corrupted the original teachings of Jesus. Jefferson expresses his belief in Unitarianism, asserting that rational thought naturally leads to a rejection of religious mysticism. He praises Joseph Priestley’s work in exposing religious fraud but acknowledges the challenge of dismantling centuries of religious control. Jefferson also emphasizes the universal nature of moral philosophy, comparing Jesus’ teachings to those of ancient philosophers. His letter serves as a passionate defense of reason and intellectual freedom in the exploration of faith and morality.
