Ep 9. Benjamin Franklin's Religious Beliefs

The Age of Benjamin Franklin season 1 episode 9, titled "Benjamin Franklin's Religious Beliefs," explores one of the most intriguing aspects of Franklin's life - his religious views. Given that he was a prominent figure in a time where religion played a huge role in society, it's interesting to note how Franklin's beliefs evolved over time.

The episode begins by looking at Franklin's upbringing in a Puritan household. As a child, Franklin attended church regularly and was taught to value the Bible. However, as he grew older, Franklin became increasingly skeptical of organized religion. He questioned many of the traditional teachings of the church and began to view religion through a more rational lens.

In his Autobiography, Franklin wrote that he believed in a higher power, but that he did not adhere to any particular religious denomination. He believed that all religions contained some truth, but that no one religion had a monopoly on it. He was particularly critical of the strict dogma and rituals of organized religion, which he believed often served to divide people rather than unite them.

Throughout his life, Franklin's religious beliefs continued to evolve. He even developed a system of his own, which he called "the religion of reason." This system emphasized the importance of morality, virtue, and reason over blind faith. Franklin believed that living a good life and helping others was more important than adhering to any particular religious doctrine.

The episode also delves into Franklin's relationship with other prominent figures of his time, such as George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards. Both were influential preachers who played significant roles in the Great Awakening, a religious revival that swept through the American colonies in the 1740s. While Whitefield and Edwards both preached fiery sermons and placed a heavy emphasis on sin and repentance, Franklin remained largely unimpressed with their teachings.

The episode concludes by looking at how Franklin's religious views influenced his political beliefs. Franklin was a strong advocate for religious freedom and believed that the government should not favor one religion over another. This belief is reflected in his writings and in his role in shaping the United States Constitution. Overall, "Benjamin Franklin's Religious Beliefs" is a fascinating exploration of one of America's most complex and multi-faceted figures.