Office Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Difference of opinion is advantageous in religion. The several sects perform the office of a Censor - over each other.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: to James Madison, 1790
Disagreement in religion is useful because it creates a self‑regulating system of checks.
In simple terms: Religious disagreement acts as a check.
Key Takeaway
Value diverse viewpoints.
Themes
religion
politics
pluralism
Mood
respectful
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- church councils
- interfaith dialogues
- policy debates
Key Concepts
censorship
self‑regulation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance critique with unity?
- What mechanisms ensure constructive disagreement?
A Different Perspective
Too much disagreement can cause division.
![“[States and the Federal government are] coordinate departments of one simple and integral whole... The one is the domestic, the other the foreign branch of the same government.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/401/thomas-jefferson-43_branches_states-and-the-federal-government-are-co_2619.jpg)
![“Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing [a people] to slavery.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00c/thomas-jefferson-43_change_single-acts-of-tyranny-may-be-ascribed-t_5515.jpg)
![“Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of [any difficult situation] in the easiest manner possible...” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebe/thomas-jefferson-43_difficult_though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one_9828.jpg)
