Dr. Beliles will present research from his recently published book on the topic, drawing on over 1,000 letters and papers of Jefferson that touch on religion, of which about a hundred were printed by Beliles for the first time. The evidence suggests that Jefferson seemed to go through five different phases of belief, tracking closely with the unique religious trends of Central Virginia that featured both independent evangelicalism and theological confusion. Jefferson’s relationship with over 200 clergy and religious groups and previously unpublished quotes, donations and actions reveal new, surprising and nuanced viewpoints about Christianity and church/state policies that should modify some of the prevailing views of Jefferson. LiL, 2 hours, taught by Dr. Mark Beliles.