Religious Views of the Founding Fathers Part II

Part One: http://athphil.blogspot.com/2018/04/religious-views-of-founding-fathers.html

            In this portion of my final report I will be covering on a few more founding fathers (and mothers!). Looking through the many funding leaders’ religious views, it’s incredibly interesting to hear and see the rhetoric that surrounds the founding of our country. With that being said, let’s continue learning about the religious views of our founding leaders!

George and Martha Washington

            George Washington’s religious character is one of debate, so I think it is best to start with his wife: Martha. Martha was a devout Christian who prayed regularly, attended services whenever the doors were open, and would read from the family Bible daily. Martha also entertained herself by reading religious literature for pleasure and spiritual edification. Martha also wrote down stories from her testimonies and devotionals, but it is believed that these were among the documents burned after the death of her husband, George (“George Washington and Religion”, n.d.).

            George Washington was the “great, great grandson of Lawrence Washington, an Anglican pastor.” (“George Washington and Religion”, n.d.). Washington’s mother was incredibly religious, and he was raised in the Anglican faith. However, his church participation is sporadic and has left some historians to ponder if he was truly a believer. Washington did serve as a Church official for several years, but he would often leave church early.

            During the Revolutionary War, Washington never directly addressed his faith. Rather, he used vague terminology to connect with soldiers from all religious groups. Washington understood the importance of religion, and he certainly was not uninterested in the concept. However, he also understood that the best way to fight the British was with a unified force, and so he largely kept his religious views to himself. There are reports from Washington’s nephew that he would kneel once in the morning and once in the evening in private prayer, but there are no written records of private correspondence that mention his faith (www.virginiaplace.org, n.d.). Washington’s religious faith is often manipulated by various groups. Christians portray him as a devout Christian, Deists portray him as a Deist, and atheists will even portray him as an atheist. This is done to help bolster the rhetoric around their cause. Many different groups claim that Washington was in line with their beliefs, and there is usually evidence to support their claims. However, most historians agree that Washington did believe in an active God that looked down and aided his children.

Alexander Hamilton

            Alexander Hamilton is one of the most famous founding fathers—largely thanks to Lin Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton: An American Musical. Although, before this musical many secularists knew him as the founding father who said “We forgot” when asked why God was left out of the Constitution. Hamilton’s religious views changed throughout his life. As a young boy, Hamilton was reportedly a pious Christian (Veith, 2014).  However, as he matured he experienced intense hardships. Because he was a bastard he was ridiculed by the churches in his area. Furthermore, he experienced the death of his mother and his uncle. During the Revolutionary War and the formational following years, Hamilton began to identify as a Deist. Like Martha Washington, Elizabeth Hamilton was incredibly religious. The Hamilton family rented pews from the Trinity Episcopalian Church, and Elizabeth had all of her children baptized. Like George Washington, Hamilton rarely attended the services and would often leave early (Rossano, 2011). However, after the death of his son Phillip and the French Revolution, Hamilton began a gradual return to his faith. For Hamilton, religion was the basis for all law and morality. In a fragile, new country law and stability were essential, and religion could help ensure the stability of the country. Hamilton allowed this religious view to influence his work on Washington’s farewell address (Veith, 2014). Furthermore, Hamilton’s final words were incredibly religious. After his infamous duel with Aaron Burr, Hamilton spent the next thirty hours on his deathbed floating between in and out of consciousness. In his final hour he uttered the words, “I have a tender reliance on the mercy of the Almighty, through the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am a sinner. I look to Him for mercy; pray for me” (“Alexander Hamilton”, n.d.).  Hamilton’s views may have shifted throughout his life, but at his end it is safe to say that he was devoutly Christian.

Conclusions

            The founding figures of the United States were incredibly diverse in their religious views. From outspoken Atheists to devout Christians, the men worked together to forge a new nation. Their cooperation was not without conflict, but their religious and political differences did not drive them a part. While turmoil in the new nation was high, I believe there is a lesson to be learned from them. The country is currently wrapped up in returning to God. Returning to being a “Christian Nation”. I believe that it is important to realize that we were not founded with the intent of being a Christian nation. It is essential for people of all religions (or lack thereof) to live together in unity. Not only does this create stability, but it opens up the country to new ideas and new experiences. (A)Religious diversity can be a strength for our country, if we as a nation can come together and understand that the founding fathers gave us the freedom of AND from religion.

Works Cited:

Alexander Hamilton. (n.d.). Retrieved April 30, 2018, from http://www.faithofourfathers.net/hamilton.html           

George Washington and Religion. (n.d.). Retrieved April 30, 2018, from http://www.mountvernon.org/digital-encyclopedia/article/george-washington-and-religion/

George Washington and Religion. (n.d.). Retrieved April 30, 2018, from http://www.virginiaplaces.org/religion/religiongw.html

Rossano, M. J. (2011, May 25). Alexander Hamilton's Religion: A Temperate Example For Today's Fractured World. Retrieved April 30, 2018, from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/matt-j-rossano/hamiltons-religion_b_803677.html

Veith, G. (2014, July 15). Alexander Hamilton on religion. Retrieved April 30, 2018, from http://www.patheos.com/blogs/geneveith/2014/07/alexander-hamilton-on-religion/