Patrick: We deal with both of these matters in our book. Barton says on his DVD series that Jefferson help found the Virginia Bible Society. As it turns out, he gave a one-time donation, as you pointed out.

The Episcopal church issue is an illustration of Jefferson’s charity. He believed good works were part of what would take him to heaven. I would give him more credit if he had used the money toward dept reduction which might have made it easier for him to free his slaves.

First, in 1814, he gave $50 to promote Bible ownership in Virginia.

http://thomasjeffersonleadership.com/blog/thomas-jefferson-on-support-for-bible-ownership/.

Second, he led by example in 1821. He doubled his annual contribution to the local Episcopal church and encouraged others to do likewise, so its pastor might be able to build a house for himself.

http://thomasjeffersonleadership.com/?s=pastor

Neither of those actions made Jefferson a Christian, but they do show he believed in promoting a moral code and supporting those who did so.

Patrick: We deal with both of these matters in our book. Barton says on his DVD series that Jefferson help found the Virginia Bible Society. As it turns out, he gave a one-time donation, as you pointed out.

The Episcopal church issue is an illustration of Jefferson’s charity. He believed good works were part of what would take him to heaven. I would give him more credit if he had used the money toward dept reduction which might have made it easier for him to free his slaves.

First, in 1814, he gave $50 to promote Bible ownership in Virginia.

http://thomasjeffersonleadership.com/blog/thomas-jefferson-on-support-for-bible-ownership/.

Second, he led by example in 1821. He doubled his annual contribution to the local Episcopal church and encouraged others to do likewise, so its pastor might be able to build a house for himself.

http://thomasjeffersonleadership.com/?s=pastor

Neither of those actions made Jefferson a Christian, but they do show he believed in promoting a moral code and supporting those who did so.