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Deism in America

 

            
             Deism is defined as the belief in the existence of a God but the denial of revealed religion, basing beliefs on the light of nature and reason. Deism was first noted around the late seventeenth century, at first it was regarded as a radical form of Christianity. Early deists believed that the bible was a historical, rather than an inspired, document. The five articles of deists are belief in the existence of a single supreme God, humanity's duty to revere God, linkage of worship with practical morality, God will forgive us if we repent and abandon our sins, and good works will be rewarded (and punishment for evil) both in life and after death. Deists believe that God created this world and then left it be to develop itself. The only times that they pray are when they are to thank the Lord. They do not dictate to God.
             It is widely believed that many of the founding fathers of America, and the leaders of the American Revolution were deists. These deists include John Quincy Adams, Ethan Allen, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Thomas Paine and George Washington. These deists intended for America to be a secular nation. They played a major role in creating the principle of separation of church and state. The early American deists also contributed greatly to the religious freedom clauses of the first Amendment of the Constitution. As a developing country, the Declaration of Independence played a major role and the fact that Thomas Jefferson, a deist himself was the principal author of the Declaration is a hint to just how much deism has influenced this country. The constitution also is used all the time in our country today. Separation of church and state is still a major issue in our country, and for the most part it is a policy we all go by. Separation of church and state is largely influenced by deism. For the most part, I believe that deism, although the actual deists are scarce, the concept can be found in many places today in our country.


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