The idea that the U.S. was founded on Deism - a belief in a creator who does not intervene in human affairs - is a significant part of the debate regarding American origins. While some argue for a purely Christian founding, many historians note that key founders like Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams held deistic or non-orthodox beliefs, favoring reason over dogma.
Influence of Deism: Historian Frank Lambert noted that the Enlightenment and Deism significantly influenced the birth of the American republic.
Thomas Paine, whose writing was critical to the revolution, was a known proponent of Deism, arguing against mixing church and state. Other scholars and activists argue the founders were largely influenced by Judeo-Christian values.
A 1797 treaty, signed by John Adams, stated, "the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion". This debate often centers on whether the "Creator" mentioned in the Declaration of Independence refers to the Christian God or a more general Deistic concept.
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