Thomas Jefferson
Letter to nephew Peter Carr, 1787
Religion. Your reason is now mature enough to examine this
object. In the first place, divest yourself of all bias in favor of novelty
and singularity of opinion. Indulge them in any other subject rather
than that of religion. It is too important and the consequences of error
may be too serious. On the other hand, shake off all the fears and
servile prejudices, under which weak minds are servilely crouched.
Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every
opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of God; because,
if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than
that of blindfolded fear.