Religious Freedom Archive

Letter from James Madison to James Monroe, April 12, 1785

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

James Madison April 12, 1785 In the third paragraph, Madison updates his friend James Monroe about the “general assessment,” Patrick Henry’s proposal to tax Virginians to help support religion. He notes with contempt that the Presbyterians had opposed state support of religion when it looked like they were excluded but now that they might get a piece of the action, they’ve become supportive Dear Sir,— I wrote you not long since by a young gentleman who proposed to go as…

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Letter from James Madison to James Monroe, May 29, 1785

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

James Madison May 29, 1785 In the third paragraph, Madison expresses his relief that Congress lost interest in a plan to set aside public lands for religious purposes, a step that was “smelling so strongly of an antiquated Bigotry. Then he catches up Monroe on the fight in Virginia Orange May 29 1785. Dear Sir, –Your favor of May–came to hand a few days ago. It is fortunate that the variant ideas have been so easily accomodated touching the mode…

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Letter from James Madison to Frederick Beasley, November 20, 1825

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

James Madison November 20, 1825 Madison’s description of why he believes in God is somewhat abstract. I have duly recd the copy of your little tract on the proofs of the Being & Attributes of God. To do full justice to it, would require not only a more critical attention than I have been able to bestow on it, but a resort to the celebrated work of Dr. Clarke, which I read fifty years ago only, and to that of…

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Letter from James Madison to F.L. Schaeffer, December 3, 1821

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

James Madison December 3, 1821 An aging James Madison write that American history has proved that religion thrives most when it is independent of government. Also, his praise for Martin Luther contrasts with Thomas Jefferson’s sharp criticism of Luther. Revd Sir, –I have received, with your letter of November 19th, the copy of your address at the ceremonial of laying the corner-stone of St Matthew’s Church in New York. It is a pleasing and persuasive example of pious zeal, united…

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Letter from James Madison to Edward Livingston, July 10, 1822

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

James Madison July 10, 1822 As an old man, Madison wrote that the separation of church and state had led to an improvement in the quality and vitality of religion. He warned that many people still inclined toward the “old error” of creating alliances between government and religion. “The danger cannot be too carefully guarded agst.,” he said. observe with particular pleasure the view you have taken of the immunity of Religion from civil jurisdiction, in every case where it…

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“Detached Memoranda” by James Madison, 1817

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

James Madison January 1, 1817 In 1946, this amazing document was found in the files of Madison’s earliest biographer. explaining his views on a wide variety of issues – especially religious freedom. In this “Detached Memoranda,” thought to have been written between 1817-32, Madison gave his reasoning for his positions and actions on a variety of church-state issues including his opposition congressional chaplains, military chaplains, his vetoes of religion-related laws. The danger of silent accumulations & encroachments by Ecclesiastical Bodies…

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Autobiography of James Madison

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

James Madison 1831 Madison sketched a thin autobiography in response to a request from a would-be biographer. He writes in third person. He is over 80 years old at this point, and it’s noteworthy that he devotes significant space in this 12-page treatise to his work on religious freedom. At the age of 12 years, he was placed by his father under the tuition of Donald Robertson, from Scotland, aman of extensive learning, and a distinguished Teacher,in the Countyof King…

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Bill of Rights Amendments Offered in Congress by James Madison, June 8, 1789

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

James Madison June 8, 1789 James Madison initially argued that a Bill of Rights was unnecessary. But in his first race for Congress, he promised he would propose a Bill of Rights, including a provision for religious freedom. He kept his promise. On June 8, 1789, he went to the floor of the House and proposed amendments to be embedded throughout the original constitution, rather than as a separate Bill of Rights. His proposal included language that would evolve into…

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A Memoir of the Life and Times of Isaac Backus

May 27, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

Isaac Backus January 1, 1858 Isaac Backus was one of the most important Baptist leaders of the revolutionary era. He argued fervently against persecution of Baptists and in favor of separation of chuch and state. Here he describes how he was dispatched to visit the members of the Continental Congress to plead against the religious establishment in Massachusetts. Adams resisted his pleas. Oct. 14th. In the evening there met at Carpenters’ Hall, Thomas Gushing, Samuel Adams, John Adams, and Robert…

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Washington’s Farewell Address 1796

May 24, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

George Washington January 1, 1796 In this famous address, he criticizes the spirit of faction that erupted among his colleagues. In terms of religion, the key paragraph is two thirds of the way down, starting, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” He declared that it would be literally unpatriotic to attack religion and suggested that the rule of law would disintegrate without religion because the legal system relies on…

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