In Jefferson’s Shoes

So, on January 2, 2007 I posted A Great Bargain.  This was about then Representative-elect Keith Ellison, a Muslim, being sworn in on the Qur’an.

I really liked that piece, and I remain inspired.

Here is a bit more background that I have dug up as we continue to see the world today through the eyes of Thomas Jefferson…

Apparently Jefferson acquired his Qur’an not long after the injustice of the Stamp Act had forced him to seriously question the heritage of English constitutional law, and to seek ultimate answers in the ideas of natural law – and, natural rights.

Given the fact that he was devoting most of his time to the study of law, I suppose Jefferson could justify studying the Qur’an as well because it was/ is, essentially, a law book (or, book of laws).

Being, as Muslims believe, “the revealed word of God”, the Qur’an not only constitutes the sacred scripture of the Islamic faith, it also forms the supreme source of Islamic law. My take is that wanting to broaden his legal studies as much as possible, Jefferson found the Qur’an well worth his attention.

I am not trying to make a point here.  It’s simply that being Jefferson, the man was always looking for the alternative view.  This will, ultimately, be the foundation for my book: What would be Jefferson’s View?.

How would the world look from Jefferson’s view today?

This fascinates me. Truly this, say I.

Peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.

This weekend I have been listening to: Stronger by Kanye West, How Great Is Our God by Chris Tomlin, Is This Love by Bob Marley, Sorry by Buckcherry (However, I do prefer the acoustic version – you can get it on iTunes) and “Gunslinger” by Dan Fogerty (You can also find this on iTunes if you feel it’s important enough). I am, after all, both an enigma – and, a fellow with eclectic tastes.

And, I am a “Love Kat”.

Brian Patrick Cork

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Consider:  How Thomas Jefferson Read the Qur’an by Kevin J. Hayes, Early American Literature.