Benjamin Franklin has become the most remarkable ideologist of early American thinking, since he was able to foresee that the importance of religion in early American thinking does not rely in the interference of any clerical entity within America society’s public affairs. On the contrary, this young society framed its deep structure by means of an utilitarian understanding of religious phenomenon ,i.e.: principles and values from Christianity are used to set the basis of good citizenship. However, this fact develops its own and peculiar characteristics which are portrayed by Benjamin Franklin in his autobiography.
First, there is a clear evolution of this trend from the theocentric perspective inherited from early protestant thinking which claimed that earthly life is only a path towards the hereafter. An example of that is traceable in the following extract from a Nathan Hale’s Letter, written in 1825: “The evil is that they do not suitably realize the good of spiritual things, and the importance of being interested in the divine” (p.1). However, when Benjamin Franklin argues that “…their aim [of ministers and clergymen] seeming to be rather to make us Presbyterians than good citizens” (p.63) he highlights that all religious institutions should not spend its efforts on proselytism. Instead of that, these organizations must encourage their members to reach moral principles in order to become substratum of model citizenship. In fact, according to Franklin, all beliefs share some common principles, as consequence, none creed is superior to another. Religious tolerance will facilitate common understanding and by means of applying certain principles shared by all protestant denominations, an individual can practice his faith without succumbing to fanaticism. These principles were listed by Benjamin Franklin as it follows: “I. Keeping holy the Sabbath day. 2. Being diligent in reading the Holy Scriptures. 3. Attending duly the publick worship. 4- Partaking of the Sacrament. 5. Paying a due respect to God's Minister “(p.61)
As a result, individuals must commit themselves to reach moral perfection, by means of modifying those habits which contradict the values of the protestant ethic of work (frugality, hardworking, among others). Therefore, the private practice of these ethical parameters will lead individual to perfection and society to progress. Finally, Benjamin Franklin does not propose an unrealistic mystic manual , on the contrary, he understands that the early American project should found its success on practical parameters as the ideological background which will reinforces the identity of a country which is starting to develop the traces of its future strength and power.
Sources:
Franklin, Benjamin. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin http://www.gutenberg.org/files/20203/20203.txt
Hale Family Letters
