Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson’s debate on the relationship between the state and church
In the State of Virginia, there was a debate on the relationship between the state government and church where Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson had different opinions on the issue. Being a politician, Henry was known as a trouble maker and always in support of the government. Henry presented an assessment bill of 17 and 84 sponsored by the state which was to teach citizens on morality and virtue (Richard, 2). Patrick linked religion with the state since he was a governor and talked of the laws that required everyone to either attend divine services or be fined. Besides, issues of the government, announcements, or recent matters were discussed in the Church of England to everyone.
Unlike Henry, Thomas Jefferson wanted a complete separation between the government and the church. An individual can still be moral and virtuous without holding a religious opinion (Richard, 2). Jefferson opposed Henry’s idea of creating the assessment bill to teach people morality. However, he talked about the rise in corruption due to the involvement of the state in religion.
Conclusion of the debate as per the Virginia Act for establishing religious freedom
Finally, after the debate, church leaders and government officials decided to separate the church from state, thus Thomas Jefferson winning the debate. As per the Virginia Act, allowing the state to get involved in religion has led to false religions (General Assembly, 1). The decision was a perfect one supported by many citizens since it gave them the freedom to religion without influence from the state or its officials.
The idea on the issue by the bill of rights, Constitution of the United States and Article IV
According to the bill of rights, the Constitution was adopted by the State to help avoid power misuse in cases like interfering with the church. Also, the Constitution of the United States, the people agreed to abide by it and respect both the church and government. In article IV, the State officials were to take an oath as an assurance of abidance to the constitution but using religious power to get into any office was not allowed, thus showing the complete separation of the church from state.
Works Cited
Richard Schumann. Patrick Henry on Religion (2006).
Richard Schumann. Thomas Jefferson on Religion (2006).