Whatever Jefferson was, he clearly studied the Bible, having composed two works about Jesus.
“No one sees with greater pleasure than myself the progress of reason in its advances towards rational Christianity.”...
“I have little doubt that the whole of our country will soon be rallied to the unity of the Creator, and, I hope, to the pure doctrines of Jesus also.” - Jefferson letter to Adams
Agreed.
My only point was Jefferson clearly understood the Biblical problem of inciting “rebellion” against authority.
Because he knew it could appear they were instigating a Biblically sinful rebellion, Jefferson’s entire raison d’être for writing a declaration of the Colonies’ independence was to establish a justifiable moral separation from Tyranny.
How Jefferson morally justified being a slaveowner etc., in latter years was a problem Lincoln knew he had to deal with.
I didn’t say they weren’t believers.