John AdamsJohn Adams, (1735-1826) Founding Father, 2nd US President

John Adams Quote

“The Europeans are all deeply tainted with prejudices, both ecclesiastical and temporal, which they can never get rid of. They are all infected with episcopal and presbyterian creeds, and confessions of faith. They all believe that great Principle which has produced this boundless universe, Newton’s universe and Herschell’s universe, came down to this little ball, to be spit upon by Jews. And until this awful blasphemy is got rid of, there never will be any liberal science in the world. ”

John AdamsJohn Adams
~ John Adams

Letter of 22 January 1825 to Thomas Jefferson, Adams expressed his dismay about Jefferson’s plan to staff his college with European scholars

Ratings and Comments


James, Newport, RI

Liberty Quotes have been working overtime for the past three - four days; thank you for bringing this series of meaningful and occasionally humorous quotes to mind. As a John Clarke scholar, I particularly enjoy viewing the various thoughts of those who transacted our Bill of Rights and Constitution. Thank you

jim k, Austin, Tx

This is priceless and my favorite is, "They are all infected with episcopal and presbyterian creeds, and confessions of faith." Faith is pretending to know something that you know nothing about.

J Carlton, Calgary

I'm not sure I get Adams take here ... he was himself a devout Christian.

Mike, Norwalk

As per the day's understanding of liberal and today's ecclesiastical and temporal belief systems (socialism - communism to fascism, Keynesian Economics, etc.), I would say there is still a lack of liberal science. And until this awful blasphemy is got rid of, there never will be any liberal science in the world.

watchman 13, USA

For those that have any insight, The glory reveled in the heavens, riches in glory Paul speaks of pertaining to the gentiles, Riches given before the foundation of the world for our glory ( knowledge ) . Isaiah 40 : 25 thru 31. To whom then will you liken me, or shall I be equal ? saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth. Why sayest thou O Jacob, and speakest , O Israel, My way is hid from the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God ? Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary ? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint ; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall; But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.
Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion ?
Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season ? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?
Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven ? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth.
Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts ? or who hath given understanding to the heart.
Who can number the clouds in Wisdom ? or who can stay the bottles of heaven.
One that is called according to his purpose can. Ordained of God to revel unity of knowledge.
god bless you all !

E Archer, NYC

Carlton, Adams considered becoming a minister before choosing law. He, however, was not a believer of the immaculate conception or the divinity of Jesus. His diary and letters document well his faith. You could probably label him a Unitarian. Deism also fits well his disposition although obviously well-versed in Christian theology. Jefferson and Franklin also shared similar views -- all disliked the Jesuits and the Catholic priesthood in particular.

Neither the dogmas of religion or the theories of science sufficiently explain the nature of the universe. Thankfully humankind hasn't figured it all out yet because such knowledge would be used to control it all, as we have seen with even the little knowledge we do have. Save the world? Please, don't.

watchman 13, USA

Just remember the King James Bible is not for private interpretation. As President George Washington kissed the King James Bible when he was elected President. THE ROCK UPON WHICH THE REPUBLIC REST !! Then was awarded the 13th level of the Scottish Rite. There is that number again 13. Thirteen steps on the pyramid also. Thirteen is the number of rebellion according to the King James Bible. Scotland is where the translation was completed into English. The story is easily traced. That is the story of Liberty and Freedom according to the Sacred Text in Greek Hebrew. This printed text is commonly called the Textus Reseptus ( received text ) New Testament that is, containing our doctrines of Liberty and Freedom. It is the text used by the Protestant reformers during the Reformation. It is from this Textus Reseptus that the King James Bible was made. In the Textus Receptus God provided a trustworthy printed New Testament text for the Protestant Reformers and for all Believing Christians down to the present day. Thus the printing of it was, after all, no accident but the work of God's special providence. It is evident that the Text was preserved publicly rather than privately to preserve in His Church the true New Testament Text. Neutral and naturalistic views of the Bible are where non believers dwell. It always leads to the denial of the inspiration of the Bible. I Think President George Washington would have a problem with that point of view !

@

Get a Quote-a-Day!

Liberty Quotes sent to your mail box daily.