In the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, Thomas Jefferson asserts the principle that civil rights should be independent of an individual's religious beliefs. He emphasizes that one's personal faith should not affect their legal rights, just as opinions in science or mathematics do not influence a person's standing in society. This highlights the importance of separating governmental authority from religious influence, ensuring equality for all citizens regardless of their beliefs.

Jefferson's statement reflects a foundational idea of religious freedom, advocating for a society where individuals can hold diverse beliefs without impacting their civil liberties. By making this comparison with secular subjects like physics and geometry, he reinforces the view that civil rights are universal and should be upheld without discrimination based on religion.