Eleanor Finch
The Founding Fathers of the United States of America are often accused of being atheists. However, there is evidence to suggest that they prayed before writing the Constitution. Benjamin Franklin, for instance, proposed that the meetings open with prayer, suggesting that they humbly apply to the Father of Lights to illuminate our understandings. He also acknowledged that their prayers during the Revolution had been answered, and that America's independence was an example of how answered prayers changed the course of the nation. Other Founding Fathers, such as Samuel Adams, also understood the importance of prayer and reminded citizens to keep God at the forefront of their minds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Benjamin Franklin's proposal for prayer | "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 reasons for the proposal | "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it." |
| Franklin's religious beliefs | "Thorough deist" who rejected the Puritan faith of his parents |
| Franklin's familiarity with the Bible | Constantly referenced the Bible in his writings and speeches |
| LDS prophets' views on America's founding | The Founding Fathers were "inspired from on high" and "choice spirits, not wicked men" |
| LDS prophets' views on the Constitution | The Constitution is "God-inspired" and contains "eternal principles supported by the holy scriptures" |
| LDS prophets' emphasis on upholding the Constitution | "Next to being one in worshiping God, there is nothing...upon which this Church should be more united than in upholding and defending the Constitution of the United States." |
| Prayer in the Continental Congress | "O Lord our Heavenly Father, high and mighty King of kings, and Lord of lords...look down in mercy, we beseech Thee, on these our American States..." |
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What You'll Learn
Benjamin Franklin's proposal for prayer
Benjamin Franklin, the great printer, scientist, and diplomat, was an octogenarian when he proposed that the Constitutional Convention's meetings open with prayer. This was a peculiar suggestion, as Franklin described himself as a "thorough deist" in his autobiography, and had rejected the Puritan faith of his parents when he was a teenager.
On June 28, 1787, amidst the dissension during the debates on Martin's proposal for one vote per state in the lower house, Franklin put forth a motion for prayer. He said:
> 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 also repeatedly cited Bible verses to make his case, quoting Psalm 127: “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” He reminded the delegates that they had prayed daily for divine protection at the outset of the Revolutionary War, often in the same Philadelphia hall, and asked: "And have we now forgotten that powerful friend?"
Despite his proposal, few convention attendees supported Franklin's motion. Only a couple of devout delegates seconded his proposal, and Franklin himself noted that "the Convention except three or four Persons, thought Prayers unnecessary!"
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LDS prophets' views on America's founding
LDS prophets have expressed positive views on America's founding and its Founding Fathers. They believe that the Founding Fathers were inspired by God to establish a free nation, with the Constitution being divinely influenced.
President Joseph F. Smith is quoted as saying:
> We trace the hand of the Almighty in framing the constitution of our land, and believe that the Lord raised up men purposely for the accomplishment of this object, raised them up and inspired them to frame the Constitution of the United States.
He also expressed his hope that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would be loyal to the principles of the Constitution, recognising the liberty it affords.
President Thomas S. Monson echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the blessings and freedom Americans have received from the Constitution and the sacrifices made to protect these freedoms.
President Gordon B. Hinckley affirmed the divine inspiration behind the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, stating:
> Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were brought forth under the inspiration of God to establish and maintain the freedom of the people of this nation. I said it, and I believe it to be true. There is a miracle in its establishment that cannot be explained in any other way.
The LDS perspective on America's founding is further explored in the book "Called of God: An LDS Perspective on America's Founding" by Jason R. Hackett. The book delves into the role of religion and the influence of the Book of Mormon on the Founding Fathers' principles of liberty and freedom. It highlights the founders' mastery of scripture and how their faith shaped their politics.
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The Founding Fathers' belief and trust in God
The influence of religion and the Founding Fathers' trust in God are also reflected in the Declaration of Independence, which states: “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” This declaration affirmed their belief in a higher power that bestowed upon the people certain inherent rights.
Furthermore, the Founding Fathers' belief in God is evident in their personal practices and expressions. Religious devotion in the home was common, with family prayer, the reading of holy scriptures, and the singing of hymns being everyday occurrences. The inscription 'In God We Trust' on the coins of the land also serves as a humble expression of their conviction and trust in a higher power.
The Founding Fathers' trust in God extended beyond their personal lives and influenced their political and governmental decisions. They viewed the Constitution as a sacred document, guided by principles supported by the holy scriptures. LDS prophets have also acknowledged the role of God in inspiring and directing the Founding Fathers to frame the Constitution. They believed that the Founding Fathers were raised up by God and inspired to create a form of government that would lead to the restoration of the gospel.
In summary, the Founding Fathers' belief and trust in God were integral aspects of their lives and are reflected in the foundations of the United States, including the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Their actions and words demonstrate a deep-rooted faith that shaped the nation's history and continue to influence its present.
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The US Constitution as divinely inspired
The US Constitution has long been viewed as a divinely inspired document by many Americans, particularly those of the LDS faith. This belief is rooted in the idea that the Founding Fathers were guided by God in their efforts to establish a new nation based on certain fundamental principles.
The notion of divine inspiration can be traced back to the Founding Fathers themselves, some of whom attributed their success in establishing the nation to their trust and belief in God. The influence of religion, specifically Christianity, was evident in the lives and actions of the Founding Fathers. For example, Benjamin Franklin, despite being described as a ""thorough deist" who questioned basic tenets of Christianity, made a poignant suggestion that the Constitutional Convention's meetings open with prayer. He cited Bible verses to support his proposal, demonstrating the influence of religion on his thinking. Franklin's proposal, though controversial, highlights the importance some Founding Fathers placed on seeking divine guidance during the nation-building process.
The LDS Church specifically holds the US Constitution in high regard as a divinely inspired document. LDS prophets and leaders have expressed their belief that the Founding Fathers were inspired by God to create the Constitution. They view the Constitution as a sacred text that incorporates eternal principles supported by holy scriptures. This belief is reflected in statements such as, "We trace the hand of the Almighty in framing the constitution of our land, and believe that the Lord raised up men purposely for the accomplishment of this object, raised them up and inspired them to frame the Constitution of the United States."
The dedication prayer for the Kirtland Temple, as recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants, further emphasizes this belief: "May those principles, which were so honorably and nobly defended, namely, the Constitution of our land, by our fathers, be established forever." The LDS Church also points to the Declaration of Independence, which affirms the Founding Fathers' trust in God and the belief that individuals are "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."
Additionally, LDS teachings encourage members to uphold and defend the Constitution, placing significant importance on civic engagement. They believe that the Constitution is a divine tool to ensure liberty and blessings for the nation. This belief is reflected in statements such as, "Next to being one in worshiping God, there is nothing in this world upon which this Church should be more united than in upholding and defending the Constitution of the United States."
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The Founding Fathers' visit to the St. George Temple
The Founding Fathers of the United States were men of strong beliefs and convictions, and their dedication to their country and its future was unwavering. This much is clear from the numerous quotes and speeches they have left behind.
The Founding Fathers' dedication to their country and its spiritual foundation is further emphasized by their incorporation of religious elements into the country's foundations. They believed that their form of government was a prologue to the restoration of the gospel and that America, the land of liberty, was to be the Lord's base of operations for His restored church. This is reflected in the Declaration of Independence, which affirms the Founding Fathers' belief in a Creator who endowed individuals with certain unalienable rights, including "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers, notably proposed that the Constitutional Convention's meetings open with prayer. This suggestion may seem peculiar, given Franklin's self-proclaimed deist beliefs and his rejection of the Puritan faith of his parents. However, Franklin's childhood immersion in the Puritan faith and his interactions with traditional Christians throughout his adult life influenced his thoughts and actions. He frequently referenced the Bible and even cited verses to support his proposal for prayer at the Constitutional Convention.
In conclusion, the Founding Fathers' visit to the St. George Temple, along with their incorporation of religious elements into the nation's foundations, demonstrates their deep spiritual conviction and their belief in the importance of seeking divine guidance and blessing for their country.
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Frequently asked questions
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers, proposed that the meetings for writing the Constitution open with prayer. He quoted Psalm 127 from the Bible: "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it." However, few convention attendees supported the proposal.
The Founding Fathers' form of government was planned by the "Father in Heaven", and the Founding Fathers themselves were "sent by God". The Founding Fathers also affirmed their belief and trust in God in the Declaration of Independence.
LDS prophets have said that the Founding Fathers were "inspired from on high" and directed by God to create the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. They also said that the Founding Fathers were "the best spirits the God of heaven could find".
The LDS view the US Constitution as divinely inspired. They believe that it was created by God and that it has the same source as the Ten Commandments. They also believe that the Founding Fathers prayed for it and that it upholds the principles of liberty and self-government.
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