When we see religion split into so many thousand of sects, and I may say Christianity itself divided into its thousands also, who are disputing, anathematizing and where the laws permit burning and torturing one another for abstractions which no one of them understand, and which are indeed beyond the comprehension of the human mind, into which of the chambers of this Bedlam would a man wish to thrust himself.{}
In his letters, Thomas Jefferson reflects on the numerous divisions within religions, particularly Christianity, highlighting the chaos and discord stemming from these sects. He points out the tendency of followers to engage in disputes, often leading to extreme actions like persecution and violence over abstract concepts that none truly grasp. Jefferson questions the wisdom of immersing oneself in such turmoil.
This criticism of religious divisions suggests a belief that humanity's attempts to understand profound spiritual truths can lead to unnecessary conflict. Jefferson's observations underline the irrationality of allowing fanaticism and dogma to overshadow reason, advocating for a more unified and understanding approach to spirituality.