We have no right to prejudice another in his civil enjoiments because he is of another church. If any man err from the right way, it is his own misfortune, no injury to thee; nor therefore art thou to punish him in the things of this life because thou supposeth he will be miserable in that which is to come — on the contrary accdg to the spirit of the gospel, charity, bounty, liberality is due to him.
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) American political philosopher, polymath, statesman, US President (1801-09)
Essay (1776-10), “Notes on Religion” (fragment)
(Source)
Labeled by Jefferson "Scraps Early in the Revolution."
Quotations about:
religious tolerance
Note not all quotations have been tagged, so Search may find additional quotes on this topic.
Never be angry with your neighbor because his religious views differ from your own; for all branches of a tree do not lean the same way.
William Scott Downey (fl. 19th C) American baptist missionary, aphorist
Proverbs, ch. 6 #7 (1853)
(Source)
I am happy to find myself perfectly agreed with you, that we should begin by setting conscience free. When all men of all religions consistent with morals and property, shall enjoy equal liberty, property, or rather security of property, and an equal chance for honor and power, and when government shall be considered as having in it nothing more mysterious or divine than other arts or sciences, we may expect that improvements will be made in the human character and the state of society.
John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
Letter (1785-04-08) to Dr. Price
(Source)
This quote is almost always given in the following, paraphrased form:We should begin by setting conscience free. When all men of all religions shall enjoy equal liberty, property, and an equal chance for honors and power we may expect that improvements will be made in the human character and the state of society.
This simplifies his statement for religious tolerance (indeed, full social integration of all religions "consistent with morals and property"), but omits his stance (which he speaks to in the rest of the letter) on government properly being a secular organization, rather than sovereign rulers being being imbued with divine right from God.
Toleration is the best religion.
[La tolérance est la meilleure religion.]
Victor Hugo (1802-1885) French writer
(Attributed) [ed. Ballou (1881)]
(Source)
Widely attributed to Hugo, I am unable to find a citation or primary source in either language. Note this early English language reference was within Hugo's lifetime, which lends the authenticity of the quotation more credible.Variants:
- "Tolerance is the best religion."
- "The best religion is tolerance."
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one’s beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) American politician, author, journalist, US President (1961–63)
Letter (1960-10-26) to the National Conference of Christians and Jews Conference)
(Source)
