Where Individual Freedom Began

In 1802 Thomas Jefferson wrote an extremely significant letter to the Danbury Baptist Association in the state of Connecticut. Jefferson's letter was in response to a letter that the Association had sent to him in October 1801 in support of his presidential campaign. The significance of Jefferson's letter can be seen by taking a look at the doors of change that were opened for religious and political society as a result of it. In fact, Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptists represents the tipping point to where religious and political movements began.

The idea of the "wall of separation" was not a new concept when Jefferson chose to take his approach to it as president in 1802. In the 17th century, Roger Williams, the pioneer of religious freedom, used the term to describe his belief that no civil government could avoid endangering free will in attempt to drive devotion to a religious doctrine (Harrington 1). In 1802 Jefferson took the idea of the "wall of separation" a step further when he addressed the idea of detachment between the church and state for the first time in his letter to the Danbury Baptists.

In his letter, Jefferson simply stated that he believed that "religion is a matter which lies solely between Man and his God" (1802). He supported the Baptists in their quest for the immutable rights to enjoy their religious liberties in their state (usconstitution.net). Jefferson agreed that "legitimate powers of government should reach through actions only and not opinions" (Jefferson 1802). Jefferson's use of the phrase "wall of separation between church and state" was the beginning of a paradigmatic shift in personal freedom. It created a foundation for the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution : Freedom of Religion, Press, and Expression (usconstitution.net). Amendment 1 is read as follows : "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abiding the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances" (usconstitution.net).

Thomas Jefferson believed that religious freedom was the most sacred human right and the U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights were enacted to secure individual rights among the people, one of which was the right to practice the religion of their choice (Harrington). The "wall of separation" allowed freedom of religious ideas to be explored and practiced without boundaries, while at the same time protecting citizens from religious interference from the government (Harrington). The door of "choice" opened up at last, and it did not stop there. Individual liberties became a great topic for society and if Thomas Jefferson had not written the letter to the Danbury Baptists, where would we be today?

Thomas Jefferson's crucial letter lead to the "separation between church and state", which lead to the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution, followed by nine other amendments, all of which were enacted to protect certain fundamental individual rights of the citizens of our country (Harrington). These rights have allowed people to fight for some of the most powerful movements in history. It was these rights which have allowed heroes to fight for us to live in a more equal society where there are no slaves and women can vote. This foundation was laid by one of our Forefathers, Thomas Jefferson, with the delivery of his letter to the Danbury Baptist Association back in 1802. It was Jefferson's bold move that became the tipping point for the beginning of religious and political movements in the United States.


Harrington, Edward F. The Metaphorical Wall. America Magazine.
www.americamagazine.org

Jefferson's Wall of Separation Letter. The U.S. Constitution Online.
www.usconstitution.net

Library of Congress Information. Jefferson's Letter to the Danbury Baptists.
Jefferson, Thomas. 1802.