Free-thinkers.
The freedom of thought and expression on theological subjects which now happily prevails did not exist in the eighteenth century.
Then a person who openly opposed the accepted tenets of orthodoxy was ostracized, and hence it is that, even in this day,
Franklin and
Jefferson are sometimes spoken of as infidels (that is, opposers of the
Christian religion), a charge cruelly unjust.
They were simply free-thinkers, men who indulged in the exercise of reason in dealing with the theology of the day. The first American free-thinker was
Jeremiah Dummer, for many years colonial agent in
England of
Connecticut, and author of the
Defence of the New England charters.
Franklin was one of his converts, yet never carried his views so far as to deny, as
Dummer did, the supernatural origin of the
Christian religion.
Franklin was no propagandist of his peculiar theological views.
He thought religion necessary for the good of individuals and society, ostensibly adhered to the
Church of
England, and never countenanced attacks upon current religious ideas.
The first work of a freethinker published in
America was Ethan Allen's
Oracles of religion.
From passages in his
Notes on Virginia, published in
London, 1787, it is evident that
Jefferson was of similar mind in many things, yet his views of the necessity and goodness of the
Christian religion were similar to those of
Franklin.
Paine was of an entirely different stamp.
He made attacks upon the
Christian religion, and nothing seemed too sacred in the later years of his life to escape the wrath of his pen. His attack upon
Washington, and his scoffing essay against Christianity, left his otherwise bright name under a cloud.
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