Barton's book was picked up by Simon & Schuster. Barton has released an article refuting the critics claims. You can read that and make your own judgment about Barton's work. https://wallbuilders.com/defending-jefferson-lies-david-barton-responds-conservative-critics/
RudyB
I enjoy reading historical biographies, especially of our "Founding Fathers" as well as other key people in our country's history. I've read a couple of biographies of Jefferson. This one by Thomas Kidd sounds like a must read. Though from what this article presents it seems to fit the image I developed from these Bios. It seems very clear, if we can escape making him fit into our preconceived notions, that Jefferson fits well into what Churchill once said about Russia, "It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma; but perhaps there is a key. That key is Russian national interest."
Jefferson was not alone in this perplexity of working out a practical lifestyle that was consistent with truth. Paul wrestled with this as we see in Romans and elsewhere in scripture. Someone also has said that the measure of a person is their response to the uninspired moment. What do we do when no one is watching? Sin and self-interest has indeed complicated the human situation. This tension, this cognitive dissonance and Churchill's "self-interest" mixed with lofty ideals all seem to be on display in the life of Thomas Jefferson.
Regarding David Barton I simply say that he is why we need researchers such as Mr Kidd. Barton's preconceived notion of America's founders is forced into his writings. He is to be avoided, except as an example of how NOT to do research.
TWH
Unfortunate choice of words, "Kidd also sheds light on Jefferson’s relationship with Sally Hemings, his enslaved mistress who also happened to be his deceased wife’s half sister."
Sally didn't "happen to be" her half sister. She was that because of their father's depravity, and one can speculate that Jefferson found some reminder of his wife in Sally. Horrendous.
Fortunately, from what we read here, Mr. Kidd's biography works hard at avoiding speculation. Speculation tends to only be limited by our personal bias and imagination.
Barton's book was picked up by Simon & Schuster. Barton has released an article refuting the critics claims. You can read that and make your own judgment about Barton's work. https://wallbuilders.com/defending-jefferson-lies-david-barton-responds-conservative-critics/
I enjoy reading historical biographies, especially of our "Founding Fathers" as well as other key people in our country's history. I've read a couple of biographies of Jefferson. This one by Thomas Kidd sounds like a must read. Though from what this article presents it seems to fit the image I developed from these Bios. It seems very clear, if we can escape making him fit into our preconceived notions, that Jefferson fits well into what Churchill once said about Russia, "It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma; but perhaps there is a key. That key is Russian national interest."
Jefferson was not alone in this perplexity of working out a practical lifestyle that was consistent with truth. Paul wrestled with this as we see in Romans and elsewhere in scripture. Someone also has said that the measure of a person is their response to the uninspired moment. What do we do when no one is watching? Sin and self-interest has indeed complicated the human situation. This tension, this cognitive dissonance and Churchill's "self-interest" mixed with lofty ideals all seem to be on display in the life of Thomas Jefferson.
Regarding David Barton I simply say that he is why we need researchers such as Mr Kidd. Barton's preconceived notion of America's founders is forced into his writings. He is to be avoided, except as an example of how NOT to do research.
Unfortunate choice of words, "Kidd also sheds light on Jefferson’s relationship with Sally Hemings, his enslaved mistress who also happened to be his deceased wife’s half sister."
Sally didn't "happen to be" her half sister. She was that because of their father's depravity, and one can speculate that Jefferson found some reminder of his wife in Sally. Horrendous.
Fortunately, from what we read here, Mr. Kidd's biography works hard at avoiding speculation. Speculation tends to only be limited by our personal bias and imagination.
I'm not talking about Kidd's book. I'm talking about the commentary. And I wasn't trying to make some big statement; just an observation.