In this discussion, guests Jane Calvert, a biography author on John Dickinson, Vincent Phillip Muñoz, a Notre Dame religion professor, and Thomas Kidd, a Baptist studies chair, delve into the nuanced role of religion among America's Founding Fathers. They examine varying personal faiths, from deism to traditional Christianity, and how these shaped ideals like religious liberty and governance. They also explore John Dickinson's Quaker influences and the philosophical foundations of natural rights, emphasizing the delicate balance between church and state that informed the Constitution.
The founding fathers represented a spectrum of religious beliefs, from deism to orthodox Christianity, influencing their governance principles.
Despite their varying personal faiths, the founders collectively supported the idea of religious liberty and the importance of a moral framework in governance.
John Dickinson's Quaker-influenced views advocated for natural rights and social justice, highlighting his commitment to oppressed groups throughout his life.
Deep dives
Diversity of Founders' Religious Beliefs
The founding fathers of America exhibited a wide range of religious beliefs, varying from deism to orthodox Christianity. Notably, figures like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were deists, while traditional Christians like Patrick Henry held more conventional views. Despite their personal differences, these founders shared common ground on principles such as the importance of religious liberty and moral virtue in governance. Their collective public views on religion provided essential support for both the American Revolution and the Constitution's framing.
Madison, Washington, and Jefferson's Religious Perspectives
The religious views of James Madison, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson reflect a complex relationship with faith and governance. While Madison’s beliefs remain unclear, he and others agreed on an objective moral law, suggesting a foundational belief in a creator. Washington, an Episcopalian, had a strong sense of providence but attended church sporadically, while Jefferson’s deism emphasized natural law without adhering to orthodox Christianity. This shared belief in a moral order, despite personal convictions, illustrated how their faith influenced their views on civil rights and governance.
John Dickinson's Quaker Values
John Dickinson's approach to governance was deeply influenced by his upbringing in a Quaker family, which shaped his views on moral and social issues. Although he was not a formal Quaker, his principles aligned closely with their beliefs, particularly concerning opposition to slavery and support for women's rights. Dickinson's advocacy for natural rights and his efforts to include them in the Pennsylvania Constitution reflect his commitment to marginalized groups, such as Quakers and women. His later philanthropic actions, including anti-slavery measures, emphasized his lifelong dedication to these values.
Natural Rights and Government's Role
The concept of natural rights was crucial to the founders, positing that these rights are derived from God rather than government. This notion underscored a belief in human equality and the illegitimacy of government intervention in personal beliefs and religious practices. Figures such as John Adams maintained that government support for religion was vital, while others like Madison and Jefferson argued for complete separation from state influence. This dialogue illustrates the founders' struggles to reconcile individual liberties with the role of government in fostering public virtue.
Legacy of Religious Freedom
The founders established the principle that religious freedom is a natural and unalienable right, meant to encompass all citizens, regardless of faith. They advocated for a distinct separation between church and state, ensuring that the government could not dictate religious practices or beliefs. Washington's correspondence with the Hebrew congregation exemplified this inclusive vision, affirming that all individuals could coexist peacefully in a diverse society. Understanding these foundational principles is essential for interpreting current issues regarding religious liberty and the role of government in personal beliefs.
Jeffrey Rosen discusses the role of religion at the founding with Jane Calvert of the John Dickinson Writings Project, Vincent Phillip Muñoz of the University of Notre Dame, and Thomas Kidd of the Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. They trace the framers’ personal faith commitments and explore the original understanding of the relationship between church and state.
This conversation was originally streamed live as part of the NCC’s America’s Town Hallprogram series on November 25, 2024.
