In every country and every age, the priest had been hostile to Liberty

In every country and every age, the priest had been hostile to Liberty

Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of the United States and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, was a staunch advocate for liberty and individual rights. He believed that every person should have the freedom to pursue their own happiness and that government should be limited in its power over the lives of its citizens. However, Jefferson also recognized the historical tendency of religious authorities, particularly priests, to oppose the principles of liberty and freedom.

Jefferson's statement, "In every country and every age, the priest had been hostile to Liberty," reflects his understanding of the historical relationship between religion and political power. Throughout history, religious institutions have often sought to control and restrict the freedoms of individuals in order to maintain their own authority and influence. Priests, as representatives of these institutions, have frequently been at the forefront of efforts to suppress dissent and limit the rights of individuals to think and act freely.