USA’s Founders Had Christianity in Mind (Part V: Adams)

Continuing with the final subject in my series on the most influential of America’s founders (see Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and Madison), consider some quotes from John Adams either from our founding period (1776-1789) or referring back to it. Here is a letter from Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 28 June, 1813: The general principles on which the fathers … Continue reading USA’s Founders Had Christianity in Mind (Part V: Adams)

USA’s Founders Had Christianity in Mind (Part IV: Madison)

James Madison, like several other founding fathers, wrote some things that didn’t sound very Christian later in his life, but during the founding was solidly Christian. As any good judge will tell you, the meaning of civil agreements like constitutions depends on what the writers intended at the time they wrote it; not on what … Continue reading USA’s Founders Had Christianity in Mind (Part IV: Madison)

USA’s Founders Had Christianity in Mind (Part III: Franklin)

Christ Church Burial Ground is the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin and his wife. Four other signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried here. Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin considered himself as a Christian during the founding of the United States, but experimented with other religions (such as Deism) during other times of his life. … Continue reading USA’s Founders Had Christianity in Mind (Part III: Franklin)

USA’s Founders Had Christianity in Mind (Part II: Jefferson)

While we were milling around prior to the Richard Dawkins speech I wrote about in part one, I spotted the notorious Mitch Kahle, probably Oahu’s most publicity-seeking atheist (some will remember him being marched/dragged out of the Hawaii State Capital after interrupting opening prayers in 2010). Mitch has an intolerant organization called “Hawaii Citizens for … Continue reading USA’s Founders Had Christianity in Mind (Part II: Jefferson)

USA’s Founders Had Christianity in Mind (Part I: Washington)

A friend invited me to see atheism evangelist Richard Dawkins speak at Aloha Tower recently. At some point while we were sitting there, I read the flier for the event, which falsely claimed America had a secular founding. “This is amazing!” I thought to myself; “just last night at another presentation somebody was trying to … Continue reading USA’s Founders Had Christianity in Mind (Part I: Washington)