Franklin on Religion

Photo of Christ Church in Philadelphia's old city neighborhood.

Fifteen signers of the Declaration of Independence prayed at the church, including Revolutionary War leaders like George Washington, Robert Morris, Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, and more. The Reverend William White, who was the rector of Christ Church during the Revolutionary War, was also the Chaplain to the Continental Congress and the United States Senate.

 

This structure serves as a unique combination of a historical site and an active church—it still fully functions as an Episcopal church.

 

Excerpt (and photo) from article by Nina Starner, dated 27 March 2018 at:

https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/pennsylvania/articles/a-brief-history-of-philadelphias-christ-church

Ben Franklin's father was a puritan who strongly believed in the teachings of minister Cotton Mather. Franklin was sent to school at age 8 by his father who hoped that young Ben would be come a minister. At age 10, Ben was taken out of school by his father to help with the Franklin printing shop.

 

At age 12, Franklin agreed to a 9 year apprenticeship with his brother. The famous "Silence Dogood" letters which appeared in the New-England Current were written by Ben Franklin during the apprenticeship.

 

Ben Franklin ran away from his apprenticeship to Philadelphia at age 17.

 

Below are quotes by Ben Franklin regarding religion.  My source was A - Z Quotes (www.azquotes.com). In many instances, the website provided the source where the quote was found. I've included the quote source.

 

As you will read, Ben's view of religion was vastly different from his father's......