Why does Jefferson declare that religious freedom is a ""natural right""? Does Jefferson seek to weaken or strengthen religion by prohibiting governmental enforcement of religious belief?

Jefferson believed that the right to practice a religion, as well as the right to hold particular religious beliefs, needed to be protected from governmental interference. Jefferson argued that it was important to recognize that God existed everywhere, and that he could not be controlled or manipulated in any way. Therefore, He should not be subject to human laws.

With these arguments, Jefferson wanted to strengthen religion. He believed that the liberty to hold your own religious beliefs would push people towards greater reflection of their beliefs and a growing spirituality, as opposed to religion as a mandate or dogma.