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On this episode of Our American Stories, John Ragosta of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello shares the story of how religious persecution in colonial Virginia gave rise to one of America’s defining principles. As Baptist ministers were jailed and dissenters taxed to support the established church, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison joined forces with evangelical Christians to defeat state-supported religion. Their victory, the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, helped shape the constitutional separation of church and state. The most astonishing thing about it all, however, was that Jefferson wasn't a normal believer.

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On this episode of Our American Stories, John Ragosta of Thomas Jefferson&rsquo;s Monticello shares the story of how religious persecution in colonial Virginia gave rise to one of America&rsquo;s defining principles. As Baptist ministers were jailed and dissenters taxed to support the established church, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison joined forces with evangelical Christians to defeat state-supported religion. Their victory, the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, helped shape the constitutional separation of church and state. The most astonishing thing about it all, however, was that Jefferson wasn't a normal believer.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories tells stories that aren&rsquo;t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we&rsquo;ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

The Unlikely Alliance that Secured Religious Freedom

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a57c000c-3cff-48b9-bfce-b3ef015f43ce/transcript