The United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and Thomas Jefferson’s letter to the Danbury Baptists have multiple similarities, as well as differences. The Declaration of Independence was written July 4th, 1776. While the United States Constitution was written on September 17th, 1787. Following these two major documents was Thomas Jefferson’s letter to the Danbury Baptists, that was written in 1802. All three documents reference and acknowledge God, but also express the need of separation of church and state.
The Declaration of Independence The fact that the Declaration of Independence was written first is very significant and important. The Declaration of Independence is basically a list of grievances against the British government, and King George III. Thomas Jefferson wrote it, with the intent of starting a separate government for the original thirteen colonies, becoming an independent nation, and voicing how they felt the powers of the government should be handled. The Declaration of Independence holds many religious references throughout its five sections. These sections include; the introduction, the preamble, two …show more content…
Thomas Jefferson’s letter to the Danbury Baptist was written in response to a letter he had received from the Danbury Baptist Association. The Danbury Baptist Association was asking why he wouldn’t issue national days for fasting and thanksgiving, like the previous presidents had (Washington and Adams). Jefferson’s response brought about the phrase “wall of separation between church and state,” (Jefferson,1802) which led to the Establishment Clause or separation of church and state. He believed that religion was a deep and personal matter. A matter that the government had no business involving themselves in. He did not want to create national days that could offend part of the first amendment of the Constitution/Bill of Rights, being the freedom of
The Declaration of Independence The fact that the Declaration of Independence was written first is very significant and important. The Declaration of Independence is basically a list of grievances against the British government, and King George III. Thomas Jefferson wrote it, with the intent of starting a separate government for the original thirteen colonies, becoming an independent nation, and voicing how they felt the powers of the government should be handled. The Declaration of Independence holds many religious references throughout its five sections. These sections include; the introduction, the preamble, two …show more content…
Thomas Jefferson’s letter to the Danbury Baptist was written in response to a letter he had received from the Danbury Baptist Association. The Danbury Baptist Association was asking why he wouldn’t issue national days for fasting and thanksgiving, like the previous presidents had (Washington and Adams). Jefferson’s response brought about the phrase “wall of separation between church and state,” (Jefferson,1802) which led to the Establishment Clause or separation of church and state. He believed that religion was a deep and personal matter. A matter that the government had no business involving themselves in. He did not want to create national days that could offend part of the first amendment of the Constitution/Bill of Rights, being the freedom of