# James Madison & the Social Utility of Religion: Risks vs. Rewards

James Hudson discussed the role of religion in the life of James Madison at this a symposium celebrating the 250th anniversary of Madison's birth. Thomas Jefferson overshadowed his close friend and coadjutor James Madison in many ways, but in one, at least, Madison was demonstrably superior to his Monticello neighbor--in his ability to keep his religious views private. He divulged so much about so sensitive a subject for one reason only: to defend himself against Federalist charges, broadcast in the election of 1800, that he was an atheist.

- Kind: Talk
- Year: 2001
- By: Library Of Congress. Manuscript Division
- Genres: History, Religion
- Archive: [Library of Congress](https://www.loc.gov/item/2021688075/)
- Licence or status: Rights statement at the Library of Congress (as the archive states it)
- Credit: Library of Congress
- Who can watch: Tweens profiles and older (the archive gives no rating; placed by Invisible Network from its collection and subjects)

[Watch now](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/watch/archive/loc/2021688075?play=1)