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On the King James Bible: “ is one of the great limitations of secularism. On deism: “It’s the worst of both worlds.” Hitchens conceded that in Jefferson’s letter to the Danbury (Conn.) Baptists, where the phrase “wall of separation of church and state” originates, Jefferson meant that his role as a federal officer prevented him from intervening in this matter between the church and the state of Connecticut more than he was making a secularist case. He regarded both as unconstitutional, but justified them in the pursuit of American greatness.

Jefferson acted against his federalist principles in maintaining a standing army and executing the Louisiana Purchase. Hitchens said Jefferson established an important executive power precedent when he bowed to John Marshall’s authority in turning over all relevant materials for the Aaron Burr treason case. In one notable Q&A exchange, an audience member challenged the Sally Hemmings affair, and Hitchens argued persuasively that the forensic evidence sufficiently supports that case without the DNA evidence. Here are some highlights in no particular order: The writer entertained a substantial Q&A period, followed by lunch and a lengthy discussion with the Witherspoon Fellows. Hitchens broadly outlined Jefferson’s contributions to the American experiment in the areas of the Enlightenment, internal nation building, the projection of national power, and the separation of church and state. Christopher Hitchens’ lecture on Jefferson’s role in the American founding was a delight.