In Jefferson’s idea society, reason and free inquiry are used as “effectual agents against error” (160). He believes that by using reason and free inquiry, all false beliefs will be removed from society. To fully remove false beliefs, all facets of government must allow free inquiry. When the Roman government followed such a structure, Christianity was introduced to the empire. Because false beliefs had been removed, the society was able to accept Christianity and use it to build a better empire and society. Jefferson warns of uniformity and it’s devastating effects throughout history. He believes that differing opinions will help society and is actually advantageous to religion. Free inquiry must be promoted so that reason will naturally follow and with both in place, citizen’s right will be protected and the government will be fully free of false beliefs.

When writing to Benjamin Rush, Jefferson describes himself to be a true Christian, meaning that he is “sincerely attached to his doctrines” (163). To Jefferson, conscious was the most important and central teaching to Christianity. He refers to the false forms of Christianity to be myth based and praises all human excellence. When Jefferson compares Greco-Roman philosophers, Jews, and Christianity, he creates his syllabus. He finds the philosophers to be too inwardly focused. Their teachings are almost to the point of his understanding but destroy the tranquilities of one’s mind by being so unrestrained. The philosopher’s teachings lack the empathy that Jesus’ had. When analyzing the Jews, Jefferson finds that although they follow deism in the sense that they are monotheistic, they lack the understanding of a benevolent and caring God. Jesus was sent to teach the Jews a loving and humbling message of loving thy neighbor. This is how Jefferson also views Jesus, as a teacher. Although Jesus did not possess a full lifetime of morals, Jefferson views his as the most perfect. Because the Jew’s lacked the teachings of Jesus, theirs was not a wholly just society. By applying those teachings and using them authoritatively, a just society could be created and thus creating a doctrine that all future just societies could follow.

Jefferson’s views of equality and liberty within his writings reveal an enlightenment-influenced view of religion and Christianity. In his Notes on Virginia and his letter to Benjamin Rush, he encourages a government that seeks input and criticism to better itself. For this to happen, free inquiry must be utilized to its full extent. He promotes the separation of church and state and sites examples of its success in sustaining peace and order. Enlightenment thinking emphasizes having a personal relationship with God and is echoed in Jefferson’s belief that people should not be forced into finding their truths. He believes Christianity to be his true faith but understands the notion that people need to find their own truths. Jefferson fully promotes free inquiry and the positive influence it has on government and religion.