Title
The Religious Beliefs of America's Founders: Reason, Revelation, and Revolution (American Political Thought),Used
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Were America's Founders Christians or deists? Conservatives and secularists have taken each position respectively, mustering evidence to insist just how tall the wall separating church and state should be. Now Gregg Frazer puts their arguments to rest in the first comprehensive analysis of the Founders' beliefs as they themselves expressed themshowing that today's political right and left are both wrong.Going beyond church attendance or public pronouncements made for political ends, Frazer scrutinizes the Founders' candid declarations regarding religion found in their private writings. Distilling decades of research, he contends that these men were neither Christian nor deist but rather adherents of a system he labels 'theistic rationalism,' a hybrid belief system that combined elements of natural religion, Protestantism, and reasonwith reason the decisive element.Frazer explains how this theological middle ground developed, what its core beliefs were, and how they were reflected in the thought of eight Founders: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, James Wilson, Gouverneur Morris, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington. He argues convincingly that Congregationalist Adams is the clearest example of theistic rationalism; that presumed deists Jefferson and Franklin are less secular than supposed; and that even the famously taciturn Washington adheres to this theology. He also shows that the Founders held genuinely religious beliefs that aligned with morality, republican government, natural rights, science, and progress.Frazer's careful explication helps readers better understand the case for revolutionary recruitment, the religious references in the Declaration of Independence, and the religious elementsand lack thereofin the Constitution. He also reveals how influential clergymen, backing their theology of theistic rationalism with reinterpreted Scripture, preached and published liberal democratic theory to justify rebellion.Deftly blending history, religion, and political thought, Frazer succeeds in showing that the American experiment was neither a wholly secular venture nor an attempt to create a Christian nation founded on biblical principles. By showcasing the actual approach taken by these key Founders, he suggests a viable solution to the twentyfirstcentury standoff over the relationship between church and stateand challenges partisans on both sides to articulate their visions for America on their own merits without holding the Founders hostage to positions they never held.
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We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the main argument presented in 'The Religious Beliefs of America's Founders'? A: The book argues that America's Founders were not strictly Christians or deists but adhered to a belief system termed 'theistic rationalism', blending elements of natural religion, Protestantism, and reason.
- Q: Who is the author of the book and what is his background? A: The author is Gregg Frazer, who has conducted extensive research on the religious beliefs of the Founders and provides a comprehensive analysis in this book.
- Q: What key figures are discussed in the book? A: The book examines the beliefs of eight Founders: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, James Wilson, Gouverneur Morris, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington.
- Q: How does the author support his claims about the Founders' beliefs? A: Frazer supports his claims by analyzing the Founders' private writings and declarations regarding religion, rather than public statements made for political purposes.
- Q: What is meant by 'theistic rationalism' as described in the book? A: Theistic rationalism is defined as a hybrid belief system that incorporates aspects of natural religion, Protestantism, and reason, with an emphasis on reason as the central element.
- Q: What is the significance of the Founders' religious beliefs in American political thought? A: The Founders' beliefs are significant as they shaped the foundational principles of the United States, influencing concepts of morality, government, natural rights, and the relationship between church and state.
- Q: How does the book address the separation of church and state? A: The book challenges both conservative and secular interpretations of the Founders' beliefs, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of their views on the relationship between church and state.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, the book is well-researched and provides a thorough analysis, making it suitable for academic study in fields such as political science, history, and religious studies.
- Q: What type of readers would benefit from this book? A: Readers interested in American history, political thought, and the interplay between religion and governance will find this book particularly insightful.
- Q: What is the condition of the used book available for purchase? A: The used book is listed in 'Good Condition', indicating it may show some signs of wear but remains readable and intact.