Faith Of Our Signers P11

Last week I ended in the middle of Benjamin Franklin’s letter in response to Ezra Stiles' letter asking Franklin about his personal beliefs about Jesus. Franklin continues: I see no harm, however, in its (His Divinity) being believed if that belief has the good consequence, as probably it has, of making His doctrines more respected and more observed; especially as I do not perceive that the Supreme take it amiss by distinguishing the unbelievers in His government of the world with any peculiar marks of His displeasure. I shall only add, respecting myself, that, having experienced the goodness of that Being in conducting me prosperously through a long slide, I have no doubt of its continuance in the next, though without the smallest conceit of meriting such goodness….With great and sincere esteem and affection, I am, Benjamin Franklin.

P.S….I confide that you will not expose me to criticisms and censures by publishing any part of this communication to you. I have ever let others enjoy their religious sentiments, without reflecting on them for those that appeared to me unsupportable or even absurd. All sects (denominations of Christians here and we have a great variety) have experienced my good will in assisting them with subscriptions for the building their new places of worship; and, as I have never opposed any of their doctrines, I hope to go out of the world in peace with them all.

As is evident, although Franklin can rightly be considered one of the least religious Founding Fathers, “least” is a comparative term and does not mean he was anti-religious or hostile to Christianity, for he certainly was not.

More on this next week for another American Moment.

Sourced from The American Story: The Beginnings by David Barton and Tim Barton.