Question

Which statement best captures the meaning of the Virginia Declaration of Religious Freedom?

A. The Virginia Declaration of Religious Freedom established an official state religion in Virginia.
B. The Virginia Declaration of Religious Freedom advocated for religious intolerance and discrimination.
C. The Virginia Declaration of Religious Freedom primarily aimed to promote the power and authority of religious institutions in Virginia.

Answer 1

The Virginia Declaration of Religious Freedom, authored by Thomas Jefferson, aimed to separate church and state, to uphold the right to religious practice without mandated attendance or support of a state church, and to ensure religious beliefs did not affect civil rights.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that best captures the meaning of the Virginia Declaration of Religious Freedom is none of the provided options because they are all incorrect.

The correct view of the Virginia Declaration of Religious Freedom is that it provided for the separation of church and state, ensured that individuals could not be compelled to attend or support any religious institution, and secured the right for individuals to practice religion according to their own convictions without suffering discrimination. Drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1777 and enacted in 1786, the statute underscored the importance of religious liberty and the principle that one's civil rights did not depend upon their religious beliefs.