I have observed, indeed, generally, that while in protestant countries the defections from the Platonic Christianity of the priests is to Deism, in catholic countries they are to Atheism. , , , , are known to have been among the most virtuous of men. Their virtue, then, must have had some other foundation than the love of God.{}
Thomas Jefferson notes a significant difference in the tendencies of individuals abandoning religious beliefs in Protestant and Catholic societies. He finds that in Protestant nations, people typically drift towards Deism, which acknowledges a creator but rejects organized religion, while in Catholic countries, the trend leans towards Atheism, a complete rejection of theism. This observation highlights the differing religious landscapes and the varying responses of individuals within these contexts.
Furthermore, Jefferson asserts that many individuals renowned for their virtue were not necessarily motivated by the love of God. This suggests that moral behavior can stem from various sources other than religious faith. Jefferson's reflections emphasize the complexity of human morality and challenge the notion that religious belief is the only foundation for virtuous living.