1825-1829
Like his father, John Quincy Adams died a Unitarian. Born into the liberal Congregational Church of his parents, he studied and scrutinized religion and initially chose the more conservative strand of the Congregational Church before migrating slowly toward Unitarianism. Though he chastised "the liberal class who consider religion as merely a system of morals," he celebrated the Bible because "when duly read and meditated on, it is of all books in the world, that which contributes most to making men good, wise, and happy."
Though he would later become the president of the American Bible Society, at his inauguration ceremony, Adams chose to place his hand on the United States Constitution rather than a Bible during the oath of office.
Adams believed that the miraculous and enthusiastic excesses of religion were dangerous. In reference to a religiously orthodox colleague in law school, Adams wrote: "When I observe into what inconsistent absurdities those persons run who make speculative, metaphysical religion a matter of importance, I am fully determined never to puzzle myself in the mazes of religious discussion, to content myself with practicing the dictates of God and reason so far as I can judge for myself, and resign myself into the arms of a being whose tender mercies are all over his works."
Like his father, John Quincy Adams died a Unitarian. Born into the liberal Congregational Church of his parents, he studied and scrutinized religion and initially chose the more conservative strand of the Congregational Church before migrating slowly toward Unitarianism. Though he chastised "the liberal class who consider religion as merely a system of morals," he celebrated the Bible because "when duly read and meditated on, it is of all books in the world, that which contributes most to making men good, wise, and happy."
Though he would later become the president of the American Bible Society, at his inauguration ceremony, Adams chose to place his hand on the United States Constitution rather than a Bible during the oath of office.
Adams believed that the miraculous and enthusiastic excesses of religion were dangerous. In reference to a religiously orthodox colleague in law school, Adams wrote: "When I observe into what inconsistent absurdities those persons run who make speculative, metaphysical religion a matter of importance, I am fully determined never to puzzle myself in the mazes of religious discussion, to content myself with practicing the dictates of God and reason so far as I can judge for myself, and resign myself into the arms of a being whose tender mercies are all over his works."
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