Absurdities Quote by Thomas Jefferson
““The hocus-pocus phantasm of a God like another Cerberus, with one body and three heads, had its birth and growth in the blood of thousands and thousands of martyrs... In fact, the Athanasian paradox that one is three, and three but one, is so incomprehensible to the human mind, that no candid man can say he has any idea of it, and how can he believe what presents no idea? He who thinks he does, only deceives himself. He proves, also, that man, once surrendering his reason, has no remaining guard against absurdities the most monstrous, and like a ship without a rudder, is the sport of every wind. With such persons, gullibility which they call faith, takes the helm from the hand of reason, and the mind becomes a wreck . [ Letter to James Smith discussing Jefferson's hate of the doctrine of the Christian trinity, December 8 1822 ]””
About This Quote
Source Letter: Letter to James Smith, December 8 1822
The quote argues that the concept of the Trinity is irrational and leads to blind faith, undermining reason and making humanity vulnerable to absurdities.
In simple terms: Trinity seen as irrational, making faith blind.
Key Takeaway
Questionreason over faith.
Themes
religion
philosophy
reasoning
Mood
skeptical
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
theological
critical
When to use this quote
- theological debate
- personal belief
- critical thinking
- skepticism
- education
Key Concepts
Trinity
faith
irrationality
Questions to Reflect On
- How does faith replace reason?
- Can irrational beliefs be reconciled with logic?
A Different Perspective
Reason alone cannot fully grasp divine mysteries.
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