What did Thomas Jefferson really believe about faith, freedom, slavery and the role of government?
Historian and author Frank Cogliano joins Billy Hallowell to unpack the complicated legacy of one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers as the nation marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. Mr. Cogliano explains why both the political left and right often misunderstand Jefferson — including his famous “wall of separation between church and state,” which he says was intended to protect both government and religious freedom.
The conversation also tackles Jefferson’s unconventional religious beliefs, his decision to remove miracles from his version of the Bible, his views on executive power, and the profound contradiction between his declaration that “all men are created equal” and his ownership of slaves.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.