Presidential Faith: The beliefs and practices of notable American Presidents

Presidential Faith:The beliefs and practices of notable American Presidents

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George Washington First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen. Pious, just, humane, temperate, and sincere . . . his example was edifying . . . as were the effects of his lasting example. ~ Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall (as related by Henry Lee)

A Man of His Times • Family upbringing • Education • Wife – Martha • Adult practices • By the standards of the second half of the 18th c., Washington was a fairly religious man

Intellectual and Spiritual Influences • His family tradition and wife • Bible • Enlightenment and Stoic thought (Alexander Pope, Voltaire, Thomas Paine) • Deism (“warm deist,” “enlightened deist”) • Anglicanism, Episcopal Church • Free Masonry (early 20s)

Arguments FOR Washington’s Faith • His ascriptions to “Providence” or the “Almighty” • His actions in the military • His actions as President • His actions as a civilian

Arguments AGAINST Washington’s Faith • Parson Weem’s historical account

Arguments AGAINST Washington’s Faith • Parson Weem’s historical account • No confirmation • Did not take communion • Less active in church at Mt. Vernon • Lack of reference to Jesus Christ • At death, did not call for clergyman • Personal habits • Slaves

Conclusions about Washington’s Faith • Sincerely religious man • Man of high character and ethics • Participated regularly in religious activities • Did not like public displays of faith • Did not write about his personal faith • Was more of a “theistic rationalist” or “warm deist” than an “Orthodox Christian”

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Presidential Faith: The beliefs and practices of notable American Presidents