Description
This class is one in a series on the religious beliefs and practices of our nation’s founders. There is a great deal said on this topic, much of it very simplistic. As you will see the religious beliefs of our founders were complex but also foundational.
John Adams was reared in the Puritan-Calvinist religious tradition. But exposure to the thinkers of the enlightenment caused him to reject major parts of orthodox Christian theology. Adams described himself as a Christian and a “church-going animal.” He typically went to church twice on Sundays, participating in worship at a variety of churches. He read the literature of non-Christian religions and hoped that later generations would also read widely and “hold fast all that is good” from the various world religions. While highly critical of organized religion, Adams also believed that “without Religion this World would be Something not fit to be mentioned in polite Company, I mean Hell.” Enjoy learning more about this fascinating Founder.