At the turn of the seventeenth century America began to define itself economically, politically, socially and religiously. The 1700 and 18005 brought about reform in all aspects of American life, particularly the reform and progress of religions Some faiths, such as Presbyterians, Baptists and Methodists, took a front seat in defining American culture while others, such as the Quakers, Anglicans, and Congregationalists, were religious trends becoming less common and being left behind. Although roughly 80% of Americans during this time period were actively devout, Benjamin Franklin was the exception in a way, although he was committed to his God, he did not fit in to a specific spiritual circle. In Ben Franklin’s Autobiography, the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, the theme of the religious study is prominent and compelling, questioning the correlation between the church and God himself, as well as the practice of religion and true spirituality.
Benjamin Franklin was raised under Calvinist teaching, a practice he studied until he was about fifteen years old. Calvinism was a form of Protestantism, proclaiming the grace of God and the power of predestination. Franklin credits his parents his “early religious impressions,” bringing him through his childhood “piously, in a dissenting way.” Religion was a way of life during the nineteenth century, and Franklin wants to make it clear to his audience that he is the opposite of a non-believer. He plays it safe by acknowledging God and even credits his success to him. However, Franklin does make the daring statement of having “doubts of the Revelation,” a declaration made by others that had resulted in their execution in an earlier time. Franklin’s confidence in his claim demonstrates self-reliance.
He acknowledges the repercussions, knowing fully well how controversial and imperative the Revolution and religion, in general, is to the American public in 17005. The place of religion in American life during this time period was front and center. It was a significant part of daily routine, practice and even law, Franklin challenged this not by disregarding his own Calvinist teaching or the institution of the church, but by expanding the meaning of spirituality. Franklin sought God and his supremacy in a way that did not glorify attending church services but instead lionized a belief in God alone. Franklin became a Deist. After Franklin’s first claim about rejecting Revelation, he speaks openly throughout his autobiography about the authority and sincerity of the church. Although public worship is not his ideal form of prayer, he has the dignity to respect the foundation for its work and the comfort it brings its followers.
127 our experts are availableright now
He writes, “Tho‘ I seldom attend any Public Worship, 1 had still an opinion of its Propriety, and of its Utility when rightly conducted.” Although the organized services aren’t exactly his cup of tea, he completely supports the people who attend them and seek guidance from their religion. Essentially, although he didn’t make a habit of listening to sermons himself, he doesn’t dispute the minister’s impact and benefit it has in serving other people. Ben Franklin is curiously open-minded for this time period. He doesn‘t discriminate against other people and religions that don‘t match his own, and in fact he willingly gives to them and respects them. Benjamin Franklin’s idea of spirituality cuts below the surface of holy institution. Instead of asking God to make him a better man, he constantly sought to better himself in order to be closer to God. By turning inward for self-betterment, Franklin was able to exist as a compelling leader and National Hero, becoming a Founding Father of our country. For instance, Franklin kept a diary of virtues, which he continually strived towards.
Favoring the concepts of “temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, humility,” Franklin wanted to make habits of each one. Although training himself to avoid the force of these permanent temptations was difficult, he turned to God for guidance and wisdom. In fact, it is refreshing to hear Franklin proclaim his devout love of God in this section, saying: “0 powerful Goodness! bountiful Father! merciful Guide! increase in me that wisdom which discovers my truest interest. strengthen my resolutions to perform what that wisdom dictates. Accept my kind offices to thy other children as the only return in my power for thy continual favors to me,” Franklin’s prayer is personal to him, a clear representation of how he perceived religion. To him, being close to God does not entail regularly attending church services or following the norms of religious experience Franklin wants a true personal relationship with his heavenly father. He believes the way to be closest to God is to live a wholesome life in his image, and he prays that God would guide him in his individual advancement.
This example clarifies Franklin’s dedication to God and his belief in an ultimate supreme being without conforming to the repetitive prayers in the Gospel, or the prayers taught to him from a minister. To Franklin religion isn’t about attending church, or listening to Pastor’s arbitrary speeches, Being virtuous and doing good works is the only way to God in his eyes. Although Ben Franklin’s relationship with religion was an intimate experience to him, he did not struggle to voice his opinion when religion interfered with life itself. The most prevalent spiritual conflict of this time was religion and its relation to war, and despite Franklin’s accepting attitude towards religion, he did not support sacrificing life needs for passivity.
Preaching nonviolence during war time was not something Ben Franklin approved. The time period also probably influenced his views, as he and the other colonists were faced with the French and Indian War. Ben Franklin was an advocate for the military. He was even made a commander during the war because of his experience in the Pennsylvania Assembly. Franklin believed a strong militia would constitute a strong nation. Franklin writes about his experience, stating that his “many years in the Assembly, the majority of which were constantly Quakers, gave (him) frequent opportunites of seeing the embarrassment given them by their principle against war.” The Quakers voted against military support because of their religion, They are pacifists and their religious inclination towards peace was something Franklin did not condone. He recognized the Quaker’s right to their own beliefs but did not support potentially sacrificing the lives of colonists during the French and Indian war in order to uphold their faith system.
Throughout the autobiography of benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Franklin continuously mentions religious study as important and captivating, he seeks to find answers between the genuine correspondence of the church and the true Heavenly Father. Although he is a religious man who possess a devout relationship with the divine, he fails to fit in to a specific religion. In a way, Ben Franklin’s idea of religion validates the heritage of Massachusetts Bay because it opens the door to diversity 7 a virtue our country now stands on. The history of religion in Massachusetts Bay is essential to define this country, because it was the initiator for allowing America to be a melting pm that is home to all different people and variations of conviction. Without leaders like Franklin, people could potentially still be hung in the streets for refuting Protestantism. His courage, and the courage of like-minded people to break away from tradition was the catalyst for the future of Massachusetts Bay and America today.
