Promoting Morality

Dialogue between Two Presbyterians, by Benjamin Franklin, 1735

May 22, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

Benjamin Franklin April 10, 1735 The person called “S” is thought to represent Franklin’s views. Franklin wrote this after a Presbyterian synod in Philadelphia had brought charges against a young preacher named Samuel Hemphill. He was accused of placing too much emphasis on morality rather than faith. Mr. Franklin, You are desired by several of your Readers to print the following Dialogue. It is between Two of the Presbyterian Meeting in this City. We cannot tell whether it may not…

Articles of Belief and Acts of Religion by Benjamin Franklin, November 20, 1728

May 22, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

Benjamin Franklin November 20, 1728 Franklin had difficulty imagining that the Supreme Being could possibly be interested in the petty needs – or prayers – of Earthlings. Yet He believed that humans have a powerful need “to pay Divine Regards to SOMETHING.” So, ever the engineer, Franklin concluded that God created a system of deputy gods, one for each solar system. Despite his Puritan upbringing, he envisioned a warm, loving God. “I should be happy to have so wise, good…

A Dissertation on Liberty and Necessity, Pleasure and Pain, by Benjamin Franklin

May 22, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

Benjamin Franklin January 1, 1725 He wrote this detailed theological statement this when he was 19, in London. Whatever is, is in its Causes just. Since all Things are by Fate; but purblind Man, Sees but a part o’ th’ Chain, the nearest Link, His Eyes not carrying to the equal Beam. That poises all above. Dryd. To Mr. J. R. SIR, I have here, according to your Request, given you my presen Thoughts of the general State of Things…