The Enlightenment Thought of Thomas Jefferson: An Analysis of 'Creator' and 'Nature and Nature’s God'

Thomas Jefferson, a prominent intellectual and political figure in early American history, played a significant role in the drafting and shaping of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. One of the notable choices he made was the term Creator used in the document, a choice that has sparked debate and confusion over time. This article aims to clarify the origins of this term, the context in which it was used, and its significance within the broader philosophical framework of Jefferson's thoughts and the Constitution.

Origins and Context

Jefferson, a Deist, was deeply influenced by Enlightenment thinking, which emphasized reason, empiricism, and skepticism towards mystical religious doctrines. In this context, Jefferson approached religious questions with scientific rationality and a preference for natural explanations of the universe. Instead of turning to traditional Christian doctrines, he drew upon a philosophy of Deism that placed emphasis on a clockmaker God who created the world and then left it to follow natural laws.

Jefferson's use of the term Creator in the Declaration of Independence was deliberate and reflective of his broader philosophical stance. In the draft submitted to the Committee of Five and the Second Continental Congress on June 28th, 1776, he used the phrase Nature and Nature’s God. This term, Nature and Nature’s God, is a nod to the Deist belief in the inherent order and design of the universe, as perceived through human reason and the cosmos.

Debate and Documentation

It is important to note that while the specific term Creator was not heavily debated during the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, the broader concepts of rights and the separation of church and state were at the heart of many discussions. The term Nature and Nature’s God was likely chosen to emphasize the idea of natural rights inherent in human beings, which are not granted by any human authority but exist independently of religious doctrine.

During the debates in the Continental Congress, the language of the document was refined for clarity and to ensure broad acceptance. Jefferson's original phrase your rights come from your natural birth on this earth as a human being was altered to the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God. The key term Creator was preferred as it was seen as a more inclusive term that could appeal to a wider audience, including those from varied religious backgrounds. This shift was not a reflection of Jefferson's personal belief in a different conception of the divine, but rather an attempt to create a document that would resonate with all Americans.

Religious and Secular Intentions

The use of Creator in the Declaration of Independence was an important step in defining the American ethos as one that values individual rights and natural law above religious doctrine. Jefferson's preference for the term Creator was driven by the need to establish a government that was more secular and less beholden to any single religious tradition. The First Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified in 1791, further cemented the principle of separation of church and state, a concept firmly rooted in Jefferson's Enlightenment philosophy.

Conclusion

Thomas Jefferson's use of the term Creator in the Declaration of Independence was a product of his Enlightenment thinking and his desire to create a foundational document that would embrace a broad spectrum of religious beliefs and values. By championing the idea of natural rights, guided by the laws of nature, Jefferson helped lay the groundwork for a government that would prioritize individual freedom and the rule of reason over religious absolutism.

For further reading and insights, see the following resources:

The Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson and Deism The First Amendment of the United States Constitution