Friends: In these weeks surrounding the Fourth of July we’re examining the Christian life and criticisms of Thomas Jefferson; I think he gets a raw deal. This week: Jefferson founded the University of Virginia to solve a founding religious problem. Happy Independence Day! Blessings, Bob

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Spirituality Column #972

July 1, 2025

Common Christianity / Uncommon Commentary

Declaring Truth, Part 3

By Bob Walters

“Question with boldness even the existence of God.” 1787, Thomas Jefferson’s educational advice to his nephew Peter Carr

If anything in this life can bear close scrutiny, it surely is the existence of God. God is not afraid of our questions, nor will He ever be surprised by what we ask. Our understanding of Him and relationship with Him glorifies Him, and the best use of the freedom God provides to us is to seek Him and to trust Him.

Why then is the above citation – from a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote advising his 17-year-old nephew how to proceed with his education – considered proof by many modern scholars of Jefferson’s secular humanistic bent away from Christianity?

Because missing context and purposeful misdirection by those attacking religion have followed Jefferson’s legacy throughout the life of this nation. The reasons have shifted over the centuries, but the differing disagreements of early America and modern America still point to attacks on Christianity’s importance to our founding and conduct.

In his 2016 book, The Jefferson Lies, historian David Barton outlines and refutes seven common lies routinely told[BW1]  about Jefferson’s faith, philosophy, and his intention for religion’s place in American life. The third U.S. president and author of the Declaration of Independence (which we celebrate for the 249^th time this Friday July 4), also was the founder of the University of Virginia in 1819, seven years before his death.

Hailed as the brightest of many intellectual bright lights among America’s founders, Jefferson nonetheless has been – I believe unfairly – assigned an errant identity of being an iconoclast against Christian faith.

What Jefferson clearly saw wrong with early American “Christianity” was the denominational segregation and hostilities among the various Christian sects: Puritans, Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Anglicans, Catholics, and others. These differences were a political problem throughout the American colonies, creating majority tyrannies against minority religious groups. This was highly instructive for Jefferson’s remedies.

While virtually every early American university was founded and run by specific denominations, Jefferson yearned for a university that encompassed the whole of classical philosophy, ethics, science, mathematics, and Christian thought free from the constraints and infighting of differing but rigid denominational doctrines and dogmas.

At the time of its founding, various sectarian Christians criticized the University of Virginia as a secular and godless institution since it shared space with broad classical and ethical ideas with no specified “Professor of Theology.” Barton notes that it was Jefferson’s genius to understand that true Christian intellectual pursuit required study of a wide range of classical ideas to properly understand the supremacy of Christ.

Enlightenment philosophers fell on both sides of the Christian vs. Humanist (worship of man) discussion, but Barton well describes Jefferson’s alignment with famed and outspoken Christian thinkers Francis Bacon, Isaac Newton, and John Locke. Jefferson’s ample correspondence and actions on varied topics demonstrate not only his deep biblical interest, knowledge, and faith, but his educational thrust of diminishing denominational differences while uplifting mankind’s greatest intellectual source in God.

Today’s dominant and unfortunate academic and media narrative, often noted in this series, is one of de-stabilizing any notion of Christian virtue in America’s founding; truth suffers. Yes, it is OK to question even God, but foolishness to rely on man.

Walters (rlwcom@aol.com) next week: separation of church and state. Happy 4^th.         

Friends: This week we take a look at the so-called “Jefferson Bible.” Was American founding father Thomas Jefferson trying to re-write Christianity?  Blessings, Bob

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Spirituality Column #971

June 24, 2025

Common Christianity / Uncommon Commentary

Declaring Truth, Part 2   

By Bob Walters

“In the first place, there actually is no Jefferson Bible.” David Barton, The Jefferson Lies

For those familiar with the existence of “The Jefferson Bible” – and I have the handsomely bound, red leather modern Smithsonian edition of the volume right here on my desk – this statement of Barton’s on page 103 seemingly contradicts reality.

But at issue are what the title of the work properly is, what Jefferson intended both of them for – he wrote two, actually – and how historical and cultural fashions have paved an uncomplimentary lane for Jefferson’s lasting influence on scriptural matters.

Jefferson twice, in 1804 and again in 1820, spliced together collections of Jesus’s words from the four Gospels. His intent was to boil down, or “abridge,” Jesus’s teachings on moral issues to serve as a primer for “the system of morality [that] was the most benevolent and sublime ever taught.” Jefferson’s focus was morality, not miracles.

Modern American cultural inertia has been pushing away from biblical Christianity for the past century, so it shouldn’t be surprising that the Smithsonian Institution’s curation of an artifact like this particular Jefferson work is framed not in “Christian” terms, per se, but in the language of heretical inference that Jefferson rejected the Bible’s central thrust of human salvation in Jesus Christ.

Jefferson was a scholar of many classic and pagan systems of ethics and morality, and was well immersed in his own modern day Enlightenment philosophical and deistic views that often – but not always – challenged the continuing presence of God. Nonetheless, Barton demonstrates, Jefferson considered the teachings of Jesus superior to all. His abridged “Bibles” focused on philosophy, not Christian dogma.

Barton can say “The Jefferson Bible doesn’t exist” because neither volume Jefferson laboriously clipped and pieced together from actual Bibles were titled as such.  The 43-page, 1804 effort Jefferson titled “The Philosophy of Jesus of Nazareth: Extracted from the Account of His Life and Doctrines Given by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; Being an Abridgement of the New Testament for the Use of the Indians, Un-embarrassed [Uncomplicated] with Matters of Fact or Faith beyond the Level of their Comprehensions.” He published this while he was the third American president (1801-1809) intended for the use of Indians both for learning to read and to learn about Jesus.

No copies survive, and some think “Indians” is merely code for political enemies.

Later in life, in 1820 (Jefferson died July 4, 1826), Jefferson completed a more thorough, 84-page paste-up titled “The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth Extracted Textually from the Gospels in Greek, Latin, French, and English.” This was mainly for his own reference but he had a few copies published to share with family and friends. The book generally disappeared from public view until Jefferson’s eldest grandson Thomas Jefferson Randolph sold the family copy to the Smithsonian in 1895. An act of congress in 1905 caused 900 volumes to be printed, which were given as gifts to members of the United States Senate until the supply was depleted in the 1950s.

Various efforts by the Smithsonian over the last 50 years have yielded a clear, digital reproduction of the work, complete with modern commentary denying Jefferson’s Christianity and promoting his deism in an apparent effort to undermine America’s Christian underpinnings. It is a consistent and misleading theme of academic America.

I thank Barton for sharing a much needed understanding of, and nod to, the truth.

Walters (rlwcom@aol.com) finds the whole discussion, and books, fascinating. It is obvious Jefferson, publicly, anyway, kept his most deep Christian beliefs to himself.

Friends: Thomas Jefferson wrote the American Declaration of Independence that we celebrate July 4.  I owe him an apology, and we’re going to spend the next few weeks doing that.  Blessings, Bob

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Spirituality Column #970

June 17, 2025

Common Christianity / Uncommon Commentary

Declaring Truth, Part 1   By Bob Walters

“[Jesus’s] system of morality was the most benevolent and sublime probably that has ever been taught, and consequently more perfect than those of any of the ancient philosophers.” – Thomas Jefferson, 1803, letter to Joseph Priestly, quoted in The Jefferson Lies

It appears I owe Thomas Jefferson an apology.  Maybe you’d like to join me.

A year or so ago I ran across a book title that caught my attention: The Jefferson Lies.  I bought the book with some other 2024 vacation reading and didn’t get to it last summer. Now I have, and with what I learned and the fact I teach U.S. history, I wish I had.

I had earlier seen author and historian David Barton’s name on a top-25 list of influential Christian writers, and figured his work on Jefferson would confirm what I had imagined to be my own broad and authoritative knowledge of Jefferson’s views on faith, slavery, education, philosophy, and Christian values in America.

Wow, was I ever wrong … especially about my “broad, authoritative knowledge.”

This was not, as I surmised, a book that said Jefferson was lying.  Instead, it is a detailed account exposing the lies about, and misrepresentations of, Jefferson which modern news media and academia have heaped onto the author of the Declaration of Independence, America’s third president, and founder of the University of Virginia.

The book frees Jefferson’s integrity from the shady shackles of woke criticism.

First published in 2012, The Jefferson Lies met fierce criticism for confronting our ever-secularizing, Christ-denying culture’s attempt to demean, diminish, and humiliate Jefferson as it also attempts to debase America’s founding heritage.  His publisher pulled the book from the market.  Republishing it in 2016, Barton addresses and refutes the criticisms in an extended, authoritative preface that is lively to read and powerful to ponder.

With Independence Day coming up July 4, and being well aware of next year’s 250^th anniversary celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence – i.e., the birth of America – I thought I’d share what I’ve newly learned about Jefferson … this despite my embarrassment about what I have gotten wrong – and shared – in the past.

My particular mistakes about Jefferson that I’m driven to correct, given the Christian thrust of this column, regard his religious and philosophical beliefs. Barton paints a blazing picture of Jefferson not as a pre-supposed Enlightenment deist – as I thought – but of his multi-lingual understanding of and enthusiasm for the entire Bible and the more specific moral lessons of Jesus and the New Testament. Jefferson was thoroughly a Christian. 

A deist would say God created the world and left us to fend for ourselves.  Enlightenment philosophy – ascendant in the 1700s and 1800s – generally sought to elevate humanity onto an equivalent if not superior plane to God himself. “Deism” has been my default position on Jefferson’s religion.  No more.  It is time to make amends.

In the coming weeks we will address the “Jefferson Bible,” Jefferson’s multi-denominational – not “secular” – approach to education, and his “separation of church and state” doctrine that today is so badly misunderstood and disingenuously applied.

If all you want to know is whether Jefferson really had a child with slave girl Sally Hemmings, read the first chapter (spoiler: he most likely did not). If you consider Jefferson nothing but a racist owner of slaves, read chapter four (slave owner? yes; racist? no).

Barton debunks seven lies in all, and I’m thankful for his declaration of truth.

Walters (rlwcom@aol.com) feels personally convicted by his own misconceptions.

And ... see #555 Truth and Freedom from 2017. Column about TJ, the Bill of Rights, and the Media.

Friends: Here is an encouragement letter I wrote last week to a good kid I care deeply about (name withheld). Feel free to join Pam and me in prayer. - Bob

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Spirituality Column #969

June 10, 2025

Common Christianity / Uncommon Commentary

Wild Potential

By Bob Walters

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 3:18

One of my MCA students, after a challenging school year, embarked this week on an early-summer high adventure camp with his dad to help sort things out. The California camp is heavy on family relationships and Jesus, and invites letters of encouragement from friends and influencers.  If you’ve attended the Great Banquet, you know the concept.

His mom reached out to me as one of his teachers, and here is what I wrote:

“Hey (student name),

“Mr. Walters here. You were part of that joyous 7^th grade U.S. History class three years ago when I first began teaching part-time at MCA – remember the “seven dates of World War II” and memorizing all the U.S. Presidents?  I remember little of how that classwork went but remember distinctly the respectful and kindly “vibe” of the group. And I remember well your personal politeness, sense of humor, and ready-to-help demeanor.  I appreciated it then, and throughout this past year and looking ahead at MCA, I enjoy having you in the classroom. You finished this past school year strong.

“If parts of the year were difficult for you – news flash: you will find throughout life that most years come with an assortment of loose shingles and pot-holes – your comportment (conduct) with me rarely wavered. I noticed, and respect you for that.

“As you have had these days with your dad embracing life and physical challenges in the wilds of northern California, I pray – and Mrs. Walters and I have been praying for you both all week – that you have sensed the love of your God and your family who see in you this capable and courageous, budding young man. You will grow, in the coming years, with strength you have not yet fully realized, but I see those seeds in you and I see that strength in your family. By that I mean strength of faith, strength of love, strength of purpose, and strength of wisdom.  These are gifts every adult in your life prays you will embrace, even those of us – maybe especially those of us – who get on your case every so often.

“Growing up I always hated when people said I “had potential.” I knew I did, and I knew I didn’t want to hear about it; I felt it was an uninvited expectation and an invasion of my freedom.  Only later did I learn that freedom is anchored by responsibility, and responsibility is the lifeline for unlocking whatever potential God and our families and loved ones see in us. We all see it in you, and what counts is your expectation for yourself.  God will help you with that one, and Jesus will always tell you the truth.

“Remember: God doesn’t command us for His good; God commands us for our good, to lead our lives in human joy and the peace of seeking His will and trusting His love. That’s what freedom is truly for: to know and love God, and to know and love others.

“My prayer for you, my young friend, is for you to flex your freedom and choose wisely as you navigate your talents, your interests, your strengths, your faith, and yes, your potential. I am so very thankful that I will be around these next years at MCA to get on your case about it. You are among the very good reasons I am there.

“I am also beyond thankful for this time you have shared with your dad.  May God bless you both.

“With love from your teacher, friend, and cheerleader … Mr. Walters”

Walters (rlwcom@aol.com) notes that MCA is Mission Christian Academy in Fishers, Ind., where he teaches high school history and Mrs. Walters teaches English.

Friends: Our memories keep absent friends close to us; the truth keeps Jesus close to humanity. See the column below. Blessings! Bob

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Spirituality Column #968

June 3, 2025

Common Christianity / Uncommon Commentary

Hard to Say Goodbye

By Pam Walters

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you.” Jesus to the Disciples, John 15:4

Hey friends, I’m sitting in the bleachers again this week basking in the reflected glow of my wife Pam’s deep relationships with her Mission Christian Academy students and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pam was called upon this week to present the communion homily in the traditional service at our East 91^st Street Christian Church. It is a brief message (below) not only of loving God and loving others, but also of pursuing our own lives in Christ. 

A unique aspect of a small high school like MCA is that even though the students change classes through seven daily periods, they are largely with the same students all day and in various classes with the same specialized teachers – and the other students – for four years. We all know each other well.

Pam and I will attend approximately 24 MCA graduation receptions (currently 18 down, six to go). What I find remarkable is the robust enthusiasm among the grads, younger students, staff, and parents to celebrate and anticipate their futures while holding fast to the love and community we share with each other in Christ.

It is a lesson to remember with our church families as well. Here is Pam’s homily.

“Another school year has ended, and a week ago Friday night MCA graduated 34 seniors.  The year they began as freshmen was my first year at MCA, so I had the privilege of being their English teacher for all four years of their high school careers.

“These kids are an interesting mix of abilities, talents, quirks, and interests.  They can be annoying, stubborn, and lazy, but mostly a joy to be around.  Because they spend so much time together and know each other so well, they are more like brothers and sisters.  They are an amazing group of young people who love the Lord and each other.  As you might imagine, it is very difficult to see them go, but it is exciting to think of their futures and how the Lord will use them.  The memories I have will keep them close until we meet again.

“During His three years of ministry and teaching, Jesus spent a great deal of time with a rag-tag group of men. They came from different walks of life with their own mix of abilities and quirks.  They were also annoying when they didn’t listen and failed to understand what Jesus was trying to teach them.  He shared truth; He challenged their old ways of thinking.

“Jesus rebuked them when they were wrong, but the whole time, He loved them and worked to make them ready for a time when He would no longer be with them and they would carry out the purpose for which He had been preparing them.

“Jesus knew their parting would be difficult, so He told them to remember Him whenever they shared a cup and bread.  That sweet communion celebrated among believers and friends restored their joy as they felt His presence with them.

“Each time we come together as believers and participate in communion, we celebrate the bond, the friendship, the love we have for each other and for the Lord.  The bread and the cup restore and refresh, and we look forward to the day when we will partake with Him in person.  This weekly remembrance brings us close to Him and we recall what He did for us on the cross … with love, mercy, obedience, and grace.”

Walters (rlwcom@aol.com), Bob, that is, teaches history and civics at MCA, a private school in Fishers, Ind., that opened in the fall of 2021 with 38 students.  MCA’s fall term of 2025 currently shows a K-12 enrollment beyond 500. Praise God. As for the column, Bob will be back on his own next week.