Simone Lawson
The Founding Fathers of the United States of America were a diverse group of individuals with varying beliefs and backgrounds. While some were devout Christians, others were deists who believed in a distant God who did not intervene in human affairs. Despite their differences, one thing they had in common was their recognition of the influence of religion and prayer on the nation's founding. Benjamin Franklin, for instance, proposed that the meetings during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 open with prayer, despite his self-proclaimed deist beliefs. He argued that their efforts to draft the Constitution would be in vain without God's aid, just as the builders of Babel in the Bible. This appeal for prayer highlights the complex religious landscape of the Founding Fathers and their acknowledgment of the role of divine intervention in the nation's history.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Founding Fathers Praying Before Writing the Constitution | Benjamin Franklin proposed that the meetings open with prayer, stating: "How has it happened...that we have not, hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of Lights to illuminate our Understandings?" |
| Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, a self-described "thorough deist," acknowledged the importance of prayer and the Bible in the Founding Fathers' deliberations. | |
| References to Religion in the Constitution | The text of the unamended Constitution is notably secular, with the exception of references like the "Year of our Lord" 1787. |
| Impact of Prayer | Some believe that the independence of America and the creation of its Constitution and government were answers to the Founding Fathers' prayers. |
| Criticisms of the Founding Fathers | There have been accusations that the Founding Fathers were a collective group of atheists, which has been a point of criticism and debate. |
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What You'll Learn
Benjamin Franklin's proposal for prayer
Benjamin Franklin, the octogenarian printer, scientist, and diplomat, proposed that the meetings open with prayer several weeks into the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Franklin, a self-described "thorough deist", had rejected the Puritan faith of his parents as a teenager. Despite this, he frequently referenced the Bible in his writings and speeches, including the Constitutional Convention. He reminded the delegates that they had prayed daily for divine protection at the outset of the Revolutionary War in the same Philadelphia hall, asking, "And have we now forgotten that powerful friend?".
Franklin's proposal for prayer was made in the context of a heated debate about representation in the lower house, with the delegates to the convention divided over Martin's proposal for one vote per state. Franklin's motion for prayer read:
> "We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded; and we ourselves shall become a reproach and by-word down to future ages...I therefore beg leave to move — that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service."
Franklin's proposal was opposed by several delegates, including Hamilton (NY), who argued that the practice might rouse fears in the community, and Williamson (NC), who noted that the Convention had no funds to hire a chaplain. The motion was not voted on, and the Convention adjourned without a decision.
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The Founding Fathers' religious beliefs
The religious beliefs of America's Founding Fathers have been a subject of much debate and discussion. While the Founding Fathers were not all Christians, they were not rank secularists either. They were religious and wanted religion to have a significant influence in the public sphere. However, they did not intend to create a Christian nation. The Founding Fathers, therefore, established a measure of religious freedom in the new nation.
The Founding Fathers' views on religion were shaped by their backgrounds and experiences. Many of them had family roots in various regions of the British Isles, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Some also had ancestors who were early Dutch settlers or French Huguenots escaping religious persecution. The Founding Fathers represented the upper echelon of political leadership in the British colonies during the latter half of the 18th century and were willing to assume responsibility for public affairs.
The question of whether the Founding Fathers prayed before writing the Constitution is a contentious one. Benjamin Franklin, one of the key Founding Fathers, proposed that the meetings during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 open with prayer. Franklin, who described himself as a "thorough deist," cited Bible verses and quoted Psalm 127, saying, "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it." He reminded the delegates that they had prayed daily during the Revolutionary War and argued that without God's aid, their efforts would be in vain. However, the Convention adjourned without voting on Franklin's motion for prayer.
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The influence of religion on the Founding Fathers
The Founding Fathers of the United States were a group of late-18th-century American revolutionary leaders who united the Thirteen Colonies, oversaw the War of Independence from Great Britain, established the United States of America, and crafted a framework of government for the new nation. The Founding Fathers include those who wrote and signed the United States Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution of the United States.
The Founding Fathers' views on religion were varied and complex. While some were devout Christians, others were influenced by Deism, a movement that stood for rational inquiry, skepticism about dogma and mystery, and religious toleration. Many of its adherents, including some of the Founding Fathers, advocated universal education, freedom of the press, and the separation of church and state. It is important to note that the Founding Fathers' religious beliefs cannot be generalized, and they included Christians, Deists, and religious rationalists.
One of the most well-known instances of the influence of religion on the Founding Fathers was Benjamin Franklin's proposal for prayer during the Constitutional Convention. Franklin, a self-described "thorough deist," suggested that the meetings open with prayer, citing verses from the Bible and arguing that their efforts would be in vain without God's aid. This proposal came at a time when the delegates were struggling to draft the Constitution, and Franklin believed that prayer would help illuminate their understanding.
Another example of the influence of religion on the Founding Fathers is their belief in the importance of morality and its connection to religion. They believed that promoting morality was the central value and purpose of religion and that religion was indispensable to society because it fostered morality. This belief in the significance of morality may have influenced their decision-making and the values enshrined in the Constitution.
Additionally, some Founding Fathers, such as John Jay, Elias Boudinot, and Patrick Henry, were known for their strong Christian beliefs and actively promoted their faith. John Jay served as the president of the American Bible Society, while Elias Boudinot wrote a book on the Second Coming of Jesus, and Patrick Henry distributed religious tracts while riding circuit as a lawyer. These individuals provide examples of how religion influenced the personal lives and actions of the Founding Fathers.
In conclusion, the influence of religion on the Founding Fathers was multifaceted and played a role in shaping their beliefs, values, and decisions during the formation of the United States of America. Their views on religion varied, but they recognized the importance of religious freedom and the role of religion in society. The Founding Fathers' religious beliefs continue to be a subject of scholarly debate and interpretation in understanding the origins of the nation.
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The role of religion in the Constitutional Convention
One of the most well-known moments related to religion during the Constitutional Convention was Benjamin Franklin's proposal for prayer. Franklin, a self-described "thorough deist," suggested that the meetings open with prayer, appealing to the Father of Lights to "illuminate our understandings." This proposal came at a time when the delegates were struggling to find common ground, and Franklin believed that divine intervention was necessary for them to succeed in their political endeavour. He even cited verses from the Bible, such as Psalm 127, to support his argument.
Franklin's proposal for prayer was met with mixed reactions. Some delegates, such as Sherman from Connecticut, seconded the motion, while others, including Hamilton and Madison, opposed it. The reasons for opposition varied, with some arguing that the practice might rouse fears in the community, and others, like Williamson, pointing out the lack of funds to hire a chaplain. Despite the debate, no vote was taken on the motion during the Convention.
However, it is important to note that Franklin's appeal for prayer should not be interpreted as a contradiction to his deist beliefs. Deists believe in a distant Creator who does not intervene in human affairs, and Franklin's suggestion for prayer may have been influenced by his Puritan upbringing and associations with traditional Christians. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that Franklin acknowledged the role of prayer in the Revolution, attributing America's independence to answered prayers.
Other Founding Fathers, such as Samuel Adams, also recognised the importance of religion in the founding of the nation. Adams reminded citizens of the Bible's teachings and the need to honour the Deity. Furthermore, accusations of atheism have been levelled against the Founding Fathers, which highlights the ongoing debate and complexity surrounding religion's role in the nation's founding.
In conclusion, while the Constitutional Convention resulted in a largely secular document, religion played a multifaceted role in the proceedings. Benjamin Franklin's proposal for prayer, influenced by his unique religious perspective, stands out as a notable moment. The Founding Fathers' views on religion varied, and their understanding of the role of prayer and God's influence in the nation's affairs continues to be a subject of discussion and interpretation.
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The impact of prayer on the Founding Fathers' decision-making
The Founding Fathers' views on prayer and religion were varied, with some founding fathers such as Benjamin Franklin being described as a "thorough deist" who questioned basic points of Christianity. Despite this, Franklin called for prayer at the Constitutional Convention, noting that the Founding Fathers had prayed daily at the outset of the Revolutionary War, and that their prayers had been answered. He proposed that the meetings open with prayer, saying:
> "How has it happened that we have not, hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of Lights to illuminate our Understandings?"
Franklin's proposal for prayer is well-known, perhaps due to its incongruous source, as Franklin was not among the most devout or formally religious of the delegates. Some have speculated that his appeal for prayer was out of despair or desperation, or even senility. However, others have argued that we have misunderstood Franklin's deism.
The text of the unamended Constitution is notably secular, with only a few religious references, such as the "Year of our Lord" 1787. However, the lack of religious content in the document does not mean that religion was not discussed during the Constitutional Convention. In fact, several sources note that the Founding Fathers' beliefs were influenced by the Bible and that it helped form the basis for their beliefs in the inalienable rights of individuals.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Founding Fathers prayed before writing the Constitution. Benjamin Franklin, in particular, was an advocate for prayer and made a motion for prayers during the Constitutional Convention.
About five weeks into the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Benjamin Franklin made a motion for prayers to be held in the Assembly every morning before proceeding with business. He said:
> "In this situation of this Assembly, groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of Lights to illuminate our understanding?"
Benjamin Franklin was a self-described "thorough deist". Deists believe in a distant Creator who does not intervene in human affairs. Franklin questioned basic tenets of Christianity, such as Jesus' divine nature, but was still influenced by the Puritan faith of his parents and often referenced the Bible in his speeches and writings.
The Founding Fathers had varying beliefs about God and religion. While some were devout Christians, others were deists or atheists. Founding Father Samuel Adams, for example, was known as "The Father of the American Revolution" and reminded citizens of the importance of having "a proper sense of the Deity".
Yes, the Founding Fathers prayed during the Revolutionary War. Benjamin Franklin, in his motion for prayer at the Constitutional Convention, reminded the delegates that they had prayed daily for divine protection during the war.
