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Were the founding fathers christian? - 8/3/2010 5:04:42 PM   
jlf1961


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This came up in another thread, one that is totally unrelated to this topic.

For the record:

George Washington, Episcopalian
Benjamin Franklin, Christian non-denominational
John Adams, Unitarian
Thomas Jefferson, Unitarian, attended non-denominational services at the House of Representatives as president.
John Jay, Episcopalian
James Madison, attended non-denominational services at the capitol as president, and is on record as defending himself against charges he was an atheist.
Alexander Hamilton, Episcopal at his death.

As for the rest:
The Founding Fathers had strong educational backgrounds. Some, like Franklin, were largely self-taught or learned through apprenticeship. Others had obtained instruction from private tutors or at academies. About half of the men had attended or graduated from college in the colonies or Britain. Some men held medical degrees or advanced training in theology. For the most part, the delegates were a well-educated group. A few lawyers had been trained at the Inns of Court in London, but most had apprenticed to an American lawyer.

quote:

Lambert (2003) has examined the religious affiliations and beliefs of the Founders. Some of the 1787 delegates had no affiliation. The others were Protestants except for three Roman Catholics: C. Carroll, D. Carroll, and Fitzsimons. Among the Protestant delegates to the Constitutional Convention, 28 were Church of England (Episcopalian, after the Revolutionary War was won), eight were Presbyterians, seven were Congregationalists, two were Lutherans, two were Dutch Reformed, and two were Methodists, the total number being 49. Some of the more prominent Founding Fathers were anti-clerical or vocal about their opposition to organized religion, such as Thomas Jefferson (who created the "Jefferson Bible"), and Benjamin Franklin. However, other notable founders, such as Patrick Henry, were strong proponents of traditional religion. Several of the Founding Fathers considered themselves to be deists or held beliefs very similar to those of deists.


source

Just a little research into their biographies, personal writings and what is available on the web with a quick search.

< Message edited by jlf1961 -- 8/3/2010 5:07:05 PM >


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RE: Were the founding fathers christian? - 8/3/2010 5:25:58 PM   
DomKen


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As wiki says they came from diverse religious backgrounds. Most of the prominent leaders were deists or were heavily influenced by deists.

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RE: Were the founding fathers christian? - 8/3/2010 6:02:33 PM   
southernsultry


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quote:

ORIGINAL: DomKen

As wiki says they came from diverse religious backgrounds. Most of the prominent leaders were deists or were heavily influenced by deists.


Correct DomKen! When you read some of their journals and personal writings, they were adamant that "Religion" (and I quote further ), "should have NO part in the establishment of our new government."  Unfortunately, politicians use religion to get votes but as we have seen, nothing comes of it, *(yet).
Respectfully,
Sultry


< Message edited by southernsultry -- 8/3/2010 6:05:24 PM >


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RE: Were the founding fathers christian? - 8/3/2010 10:48:47 PM   
kdsub


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quote:

ORIGINAL: DomKen

As wiki says they came from diverse religious backgrounds. Most of the prominent leaders were deists or were heavily influenced by deists.


I have to disagree with your statement. Only a few were Deists not most.

Butch

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RE: Were the founding fathers christian? - 8/4/2010 4:21:26 AM   
ShoreBound149


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I did not know their religious beliefs were segmented to such a large degree.

That makes what they achieved even more remarkable.

Clearly there are way too many religions.

I propose a cap on the number of religions.  I propose 5.  Discuss.

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RE: Were the founding fathers christian? - 8/4/2010 12:09:39 PM   
jlf1961


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Several of the founding fathers were deists, MOST of the founding fathers were of various protestant faiths, 3 were roman catholic.


Since when does several mean most?

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RE: Were the founding fathers christian? - 8/4/2010 12:31:16 PM   
joether


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If I understand the history on this section, Jlf1961, the creation of the line "...freedom of religion..." under the 1st Amendment, was largely due to their view points. They as a whole didn't like the King's law on religion. But also, had disagreements among themselves over the 'correct' understanding of the Holy Bible. The important understanding, is they sat down, and talked about it, rather then ending the arguement with sword and musket. To hear someone say 'This nation was founded on Christianity' displays (in my opinion), a lack of historical knowledge. The country was found on religious freedom from the King. Every citizen, could worship, as they thought best, within the confines of 'acceptable behavior'. Non-acceptable behavior would be using the previously mentioned 'sword and musket' to settle a dispute (that being the extreme). Causing a riot, was also, not a freedom.

But, I haven't studied the information in some time, so my knowledge might be alittle wrong. But that is my recollection of the particular issue. And how it relates to modern day.

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