Simone Lawson
The United States Constitution is one of the longest-lived and most emulated constitutions in the world. It was signed by 38 delegates on September 17, 1787, and ratified by 9 of the 13 states. The process of drafting the Constitution was not without its challenges, with delegates representing wildly different interests and views. In the midst of these debates, Benjamin Franklin, an octogenarian and a self-described thorough deist, made a peculiar proposal for prayer. He suggested that the Constitutional Convention open each day with prayer, appealing for God's intervention and guidance in their deliberations. This proposal, known as Franklin's Proposal for Prayer, is one of the most famous motions brought before the Convention. While it was not officially adopted, it highlights the complex religious landscape of the Founding Fathers and their recognition of the value of prayer and religion in society and politics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Franklin's Proposal for Prayer | June 28, 1787 |
| Franklin's Motion | Prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on their deliberations |
| Franklin's Reference | Psalm 127 |
| Franklin's Appeal | An appeal for God's intervention |
| Franklin's Description of Himself | A thorough deist |
| Franklin's Suggestion | That the Convention be opened each day with prayer |
| Number of Delegates Who Signed the Constitution | 38 |
| Date the Constitution was Signed | September 17, 1787 |
| Date the Constitutional Convention Assembled | May 1787 |
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What You'll Learn
Benjamin Franklin's proposal for prayer
Franklin's proposal for prayer is likely well-known due to its unexpected source. He was not among the most devout or formally religious delegates, and his suggestion came at the end of a day of heated debate. In his proposal, Franklin warned that without God's aid, the Founding Fathers would "succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel." He reminded the delegates that they had prayed daily at the outset of the Revolutionary War for divine protection.
Franklin's motion for prayer was not voted on and did not receive widespread support. A few devout delegates seconded his motion, but it did not gain traction among the other participants. Some opposed the motion due to concerns that it might arouse fears in the community. Additionally, it was noted that the Convention lacked the funds to hire a chaplain. Despite the lack of formal support, Franklin's proposal highlights the complex religious landscape of the Founding Fathers and the influence of his childhood immersion in the Puritan faith.
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The Continental Congress and prayer proclamations
The Continental Congress, which preceded the United States Congress, issued sixteen separate spiritual proclamations from 1775 to 1784, during the American Revolution. These proclamations called on Americans to humble themselves, fast, pray, and give thanks to God. One of the first of these proclamations was issued on June 12, 1775, when John Hancock, a deeply committed Christian, was president of Congress.
The Continental Congress composed America's four organic laws: the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Northwest Ordinance, and the Constitution. These laws are the most authoritative in America and remain binding.
The Constitutional Convention assembled in Philadelphia in May of 1787, and on September 17, 1787, 38 delegates signed the Constitution. Benjamin Franklin, an octogenarian and the only one to call for prayer at the Constitutional Convention, proposed that the meetings open with prayer. He suggested that the delegates had sought wisdom from ancient history and modern states but had not thought to pray for guidance. Franklin's proposal for prayer was never fulfilled, as the convention had no funds to pay a preacher.
Franklin's appeal for prayer may have been influenced by his childhood immersion in the Puritan faith and his relationships with traditional Christians throughout his life. He often referenced the Bible in his writings and speeches and was familiar with even the most obscure sections. Despite questioning basic points of Christianity, such as Jesus' divine nature, Franklin's words and actions often aligned with those of a Christian.
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The Constitutional Convention
The convention was a contentious affair, with delegates representing wildly different interests and views. One of the most controversial issues was state representation, with delegates from large states demanding that voting in Congress be based on population, while representatives of smaller states insisted on the equality they had enjoyed under the Articles. The debate on this issue became increasingly acrimonious, with oratory degenerating into threats and accusations.
In this context, Benjamin Franklin, the octogenarian statesman, made his famous appeal for harmony and conciliation, calling for God's intervention. Franklin, a self-described "thorough deist," suggested that the meetings open with prayer, quoting Psalm 127: "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it." Franklin's proposal for prayer was never fulfilled, as the convention had no funds to pay a preacher. However, his appeal for divine assistance in the formation of the American system was respected by the delegates.
The convention resulted in the creation of a completely new government, with a powerful central government that represented a compromise between the different interests and views of the delegates. The final Constitution was presented to the convention on September 12, 1787, and on September 17, 38 delegates signed it, enacting a new government. The founders set the terms for ratifying the Constitution, bypassing the state legislatures and calling for special ratifying conventions in each state.
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The delegates' differing opinions on prayer
Franklin's proposal was met with opposition from delegates such as Williamson (NC), who argued that the states were equally sovereign and that prayer might rouse fears in the community. Madison (VA) also opposed the motion, and Hamilton (NY) added that the delegates were competent to transact the business without needing to call for foreign aid. The Convention adjourned without voting on the motion, and the discussion on representation in both houses resumed.
Despite the lack of an official vote on Franklin's proposal, some delegates recognised the value of religion and prayer in politics. Virginia's Mr Randolph offered a counterproposal, suggesting a sermon be preached at the request of the convention on Independence Day, followed by prayers each morning. This proposal was implemented after the Convention, and two chaplains of different denominations were appointed, one to the House and one to the Senate.
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The Constitution's secular nature
The United States Constitution is considered a secular document. The text of the unamended Constitution is notably secular, except for references like "the Year of our Lord" 1787. The Constitution's secular nature is evident in its only reference to religion, which is in Article VI, Section 3, prohibiting religious tests for public office. This absence of religious references does not reflect hostility towards religion but instead recognises that religion would thrive without government influence.
The Founding Fathers' intent regarding the separation of church and state is a subject of debate. While the Constitution is secular, the Declaration of Independence, produced only eleven years earlier, contains religious terms such as "Nature's God" and "Supreme Judge of the world." During the American Revolution, the Continental Congresses issued sixteen spiritual proclamations, calling Americans to pray and give thanks to God.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Benjamin Franklin proposed that the meetings open with prayer, but this proposal was not accepted.
Benjamin Franklin was a deist who believed in a distant Creator. He may have made this proposal out of despair or desperation as the delegates sought to resolve their differences.
The delegates were debating the issue of representation in the first chamber of the legislature, and the debate was becoming increasingly acrimonious.
The convention approved a resolution establishing population as the basis for representation in the House of Representatives, favoring the larger states.
The Constitutional Convention assembled in Philadelphia in May 1787, and the Constitution was presented to the convention on September 12, 1787. It was signed by 38 delegates on September 17, 1787.
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