Monday, September 21, 2015

Just a few questions, Sir...


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Consider your annotations over Thomas Jefferson's "Query 17."  Please ONLY post questions here.  You may choose your best, or most important, or your most puzzling questions.  Please limit it to three questions.  Label your questions 1 (literal) 2 (interpretative), 3 (evaluative).  You may follow up someone else's question with a question.
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24 comments:

  1. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:06 AM

    What is the meaning of Jefferson's comment: "Reason and free enquiry are the only effectual agents against error." on page 3?

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    1. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:09 AM

      I think that he is implying that rationalism and basic freedom is the only way to resist inevitable political failure. This would relate to the rationalist view of going back to fundamental values. How do you think starting at a basic structure would help reform society?

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    2. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:13 AM

      I think that starting at a basic structure would give society room to lay down their most important basic laws and belief so they can then build a fundamentally strong society.

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    3. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:14 AM

      And my initial question was an evaluative question.

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  2. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:07 AM

    How did the hypocrisy of the early American government - as far as pursuing religious freedom only to destroy it - reflect the political hypocrisy of other nations throughout history?

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  3. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:08 AM

    Jefferson discusses the positive relationship between government and physics, so was science more culturally accepted and revered by the time this was written? (2)
    How does Jefferson's view of free enquiry affect his perception of history? (3)
    Which laws does Jefferson specifically mean to protest? (2)

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  4. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:09 AM

    Where did Jefferson's ideas on religion stem from?

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  5. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:09 AM

    Evaluative: Does the idea that government can only control what it is allowed to relate to the reconstruction of society after the Puritans? How does Rationalism reconstruct what the government can control?

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    1. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:11 AM

      At least in the context of the prior Puritanism, this seems to provoke the question of separation of church and state, though it could be easily applied to other contexts. How do you think the interaction between a society and its government should be handled?

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  6. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:10 AM

    1. How did Jefferson feel about the rules and laws the original settlers of colonies placed on Quakers and the like?

    2. What is Jefferson's opinion on government and it's ability to protect freedom of religion?

    3. What modern day political party would Jefferson align himself with?

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    1. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:13 AM

      I like your third question. It's difficult to answer, but intriguing nonetheless. I think the ideas of Rationalism most closely coincide with those of modern Democrats. In my opinion, Democrats seem to be more focused on the individual, for the purpose of the society. What do you think?

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  7. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:11 AM

    Evaluative:
    How can Jefferson's idea be improved?
    Did Jefferson successfully implement his ideas?
    Are his ideas still applicable today?

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  8. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:12 AM

    Literal: Did Jefferson state that the father of the family has custody of the children, and thus has the right to enforce a religion on the family? If a child should reject that religion he or she could face criminal charges? "By our own act of assembly of 1705, c. 30, if a person brought up in the Christian religion denies the being of a God, or the Trinity, or asserts there are more Gods than one, or denies the Christian religion to be true, or the scriptures to be of divine authority, he is punishable on the first offence by incapacity to hold any office or employment ecclesiastical, civil, or military; on the second by disability to sue, to take any gift or legacy, to be guardian, executor, or administrator, and by three years imprisonment, without bail."

    Interpretive: What does Jefferson believe the extent of government's involvement in religion practice?

    Evaluative: What do you think Jefferson's views would be on the Kim Davis' actions, as this situation pertains to government and religion?

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  9. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:13 AM

    Is Jefferson's idea of free enquiry a solution, or is it a principle?

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  10. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:13 AM

    Why were the people so against the Quakers? What was the root? - 2
    What was Jefferson's opinion about the government's moderation? - 2

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  11. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:13 AM

    Evaluate: Was his ideas of religion based off of partial beliefs of multiple religions? Or is his religion more of an opinion?

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  12. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:13 AM

    How does Jefferson's the idea that coercion creates uniformity, "But is uniformity of opinion desirable?" (Jefferson 4). act as a counterpoint against Puritanism? What does it say about Jefferson's views?

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  13. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:13 AM

    2. Why were the laws against the other religions still in place if many people didn't care anymore? What could have caused the people to not care anymore?
    2. Why did the Continental Congress pass over what made up our religious rights? Did they not think it was a big deal? What could've fueled that decision?
    3. Is there a limit to what the government can and should enforce? At what point does a subject become a point for the state and county to handle, instead of the federal government?

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  14. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:14 AM

    At the end of the Query, Jefferson talks about how because there is no way/reason to spend 100% of time devoted to the people in society, they will be forgotten and their rights disregarded. Is there any way for people to remember each other, or do you agree people are always being overshadowed by the power of higher individuals? -(3)

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  15. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:14 AM

    Couldn't the removal of heresy be seen as the opposite or religious tolerance? Wouldn't that be more applicable to Rationalism being viewed as more valid?

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  16. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:15 AM

    1. (literal): "The shackles, therefore, which shall not be knocked off at the conclusion of this war" What war is Jefferson referring to? The revolutionary war or the war against religious persecution?
    2. (literal): Has freedom of religion legally been established at this time?
    3. (evaluative): In one's mind, what justifies hypocracy?

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  17. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:15 AM

    1) How did is Jefferson's ideas different from others at that time?
    2) Is some of what Jefferson still related to religion?
    3) What was Jefferson's ultimate goal/purpose in writing this?

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  18. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 9:20 AM

    Interpretive: Where did Jefferson stand concerning freedom of religion and government?

    Evaluative: Jefferson touches base on how the government is so afraid of error and being wrong, which is still applicable today. What is keeping every government throughout history, from 18th century England to our government now, from being in check and making sure they aren't wrong?

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  19. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2015 at 8:48 PM

    1) Is Thomas Jefferson a religious person?
    2) What from Jefferson's pass makes him so strongly believe in the freedom of inquiry?
    3) Can what Jefferson is saying in this text relate to our society today with his belief of freedoms?

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