I had no idea, however, that in Pennsylvania, the cradle…
![“I had no idea, however, that in Pennsylvania, the cradle of toleration and freedom of religion, it [fanaticism] could have arisen to the height you describe. This must be owing to the growth of Presbyterianism. The blasphemy of the five points of Calvin, and the impossibility of defending them…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/c6e/thomas-jefferson-43_blasphemy_i-had-no-idea-however-that-in-pennsylvan_2564008.jpg)
“I had no idea, however, that in Pennsylvania, the cradle of toleration and freedom of religion, it [fanaticism] could have arisen to the height you describe. This must be owing to the growth of Presbyterianism. The blasphemy of the five points of Calvin, and the impossibility of defending them, render their advocates impatient of reasoning, irritable, and prone to denunciation.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Intolerance can arise even in places known for freedom, especially when doctrine becomes rigid.
In simple terms: Freedom can coexist with intolerance.
Key Takeaway
Question dogmatic beliefs.
Themes
religious liberty
intolerance
historical context
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- church governance
- civil rights debates
- education curricula
Key Concepts
theology
political philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we protect tolerance today?
- What role does education play?
A Different Perspective
Historical context may differ today.