In his writings, Thomas Jefferson strongly critiques the relationship between religion and government, suggesting that history shows no instance of a society led by religious authorities managing to maintain a free civil government. He implies that such a dynamic leads to a significant level of ignorance among the populace, which can be exploited by leaders, both civil and religious, to further their own interests.

Jefferson is warning against allowing religious influence to dominate political structures, as he believes it undermines liberty and enlightenment. By depending on religious leaders for guidance, people risk becoming complacent and easily manipulated, which in turn jeopardizes the integrity of their civil governance. This highlights the importance of separating church and state to ensure a truly free society.