Wyzard_Blade

Not true. While nearly all came from Christian backgrounds, their personal beliefs varied widely. They generally fell into three main categories: orthodox Christians, "Theistic Rationalists" (who blended Christian morality with Enlightenment reason), and Deists. The Orthodox Christians-examples include John Jay (first Chief Justice), Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, and Roger Sherman. The Theistic Rationalists-A large number of key figures were influenced by the Enlightenment and did not strictly hold to orthodox doctrines like the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, or biblical miracles. They believed in an active, involved God and viewed Christianity as the best system for promoting morality. Examples include George Washington, John Adams, and James Madison. The Deists: Some of the most prominent intellectuals among the Founders rejected traditional religious revelation (like the Bible) in favor of reason and nature. They believed in a Creator who set the universe in motion but does not actively intervene in human affairs. Examples include Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Paine.