Finally I understand I am deist like Washington, Jefferson and Franklin .

[Anonymous]

[img]

When studying the religious beliefs of George Washington, it is difficult to make absolute, concrete conclusions. Depending on the source examined, Washington has been painted in differing lights ranging from a Deist to a believing Christian.

>

[Anonymous]

A PRAYER BY GEORGE WASHINGTON

Almighty God: We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government, and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow-citizens of the United States at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

* This prayer is used regularly at “The President's Chapel” of the George Washington University, and voices the aspirations of the University for the fulfillment of civic duties and the promotion of national welfare.

[Anonymous]

“ Subordination and obedience to Government “ ?
What do you think of that?

[Anonymous]

It is impossible to account for the creation of the universe, without the agency of a Supreme Being,” he wrote. “It is impossible to govern the universe, without the aid of a Supreme Being. It is impossible to reason, without arriving at a Supreme Being.

“Religion is as necessary to reason, as reason is to religion,” Washington continued. “The one cannot exist without the other. A reasoning being would lose his reason, in attempting to account for the great phenomena of nature, had he not a Supreme Being to refer to.”


Washington always believed that God had protected him during the French and Indian War, especially at the Battle of the Monongahela when Gen. Edward Braddock’s British forces, which included Washington, were ambushed and defeated near the river.

“By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence I have been protected, beyond all human probability or expectation,” Washington wrote after the battle, “for I had four bullets through my coat and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt. Although death was leveling my companions on every side of me.”


In 1780, Washington gave God the credit for foiling Benedict Arnold’s plot to commit treason and give the fortifications at West Point to the British. “In no instance, since the commencement of the war,” he wrote, “has the interposition of Providence appeared more remarkably conspicuous, than in the rescue of the post and garrison of West Point from Arnold’s villainous perfidy.”

In 1781, at the surrender of Yorktown, Washington said, “The interposing hand of Heaven, in the various instance of our extensive preparations for this operation, has been most conscious and remarkable.”

On more than one occasion, Washington gave credit for the founding of the nation and the government to God’s providence.

In 1788, Washington wrote, “We may, with a kind of pious and grateful exultation, trace the finger of Providence through these dark and mysterious events, which first induced the States to appoint a general convention, and then led them, one after another, by such steps as were best calculated to effect the object, into the adoption of a system recommended by that general convention; thereby, in all human probability, laying a lasting foundation for tranquility and happiness, when we had but too much reason to fear that confusion and misery were coming rapidly upon us.”

Later, in 1789 he wrote, “When I contemplate the interposition of Providence, as it was manifested in guiding us through the Revolution, in preparing us for the reception of a general government and in conciliating the good will of the people of America towards one another, after its adoption, I feel myself oppressed, and almost overwhelmed, with a sense of the Divine Munificence.”

In that same year Washington said, “May we unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the Great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties, properly and punctually; to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a government of wise, just and constitutional laws.”

But Washington also warned that year that “The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained.”

https://www.timesnews.net/living/features/our-first-president-was-a-strong-believer-in-god/article_c2900496-1be9-5e52-9bac-6bdadcb62399.html#:~:text=In%20his%20first%20year%20as,implore%20his%20protection%20and%20favor.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is impossible to account for the creation of the universe, without the agency of a Supreme Being,” he wrote. “It is impossible to govern the universe, without the aid of a Supreme Being. It is impossible to reason, without arriving at a Supreme Being.

“Religion is as necessary to reason, as reason is to religion,” Washington continued. “The one cannot exist without the other. A reasoning being would lose his reason, in attempting to account for the great phenomena of nature, had he not a Supreme Being to refer to.”


Washington always believed that God had protected him during the French and Indian War, especially at the Battle of the Monongahela when Gen. Edward Braddock’s British forces, which included Washington, were ambushed and defeated near the river.

“By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence I have been protected, beyond all human probability or expectation,” Washington wrote after the battle, “for I had four bullets through my coat and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt. Although death was leveling my companions on every side of me.”


In 1780, Washington gave God the credit for foiling Benedict Arnold’s plot to commit treason and give the fortifications at West Point to the British. “In no instance, since the commencement of the war,” he wrote, “has the interposition of Providence appeared more remarkably conspicuous, than in the rescue of the post and garrison of West Point from Arnold’s villainous perfidy.”

In 1781, at the surrender of Yorktown, Washington said, “The interposing hand of Heaven, in the various instance of our extensive preparations for this operation, has been most conscious and remarkable.”

On more than one occasion, Washington gave credit for the founding of the nation and the government to God’s providence.

In 1788, Washington wrote, “We may, with a kind of pious and grateful exultation, trace the finger of Providence through these dark and mysterious events, which first induced the States to appoint a general convention, and then led them, one after another, by such steps as were best calculated to effect the object, into the adoption of a system recommended by that general convention; thereby, in all human probability, laying a lasting foundation for tranquility and happiness, when we had but too much reason to fear that confusion and misery were coming rapidly upon us.”

Later, in 1789 he wrote, “When I contemplate the interposition of Providence, as it was manifested in guiding us through the Revolution, in preparing us for the reception of a general government and in conciliating the good will of the people of America towards one another, after its adoption, I feel myself oppressed, and almost overwhelmed, with a sense of the Divine Munificence.”

In that same year Washington said, “May we unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the Great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties, properly and punctually; to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a government of wise, just and constitutional laws.”

But Washington also warned that year that “The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained.”

https://www.timesnews.net/living/features/our-first-president-was-a-strong-believer-in-god/article_c2900496-1be9-5e52-9bac-6bdadcb62399.html#:~:text=In%20his%20first%20year%20as,implore%20his%20protection%20and%20favor.”

So, what's your point? We already know that Washington was a Deist and nothing here disputes that. He makes no reference to the holy trinity or to Christianity. Also, he was a good politician and even if he were an atheist, like Thomas Paine, it's no surprise that he would keep it a secret, given the times he lived in.

[Anonymous]

Why do atheists obsess-post every day?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is impossible to account for the creation of the universe, without the agency of a Supreme Being,” he wrote. “It is impossible to govern the universe, without the aid of a Supreme Being. It is impossible to reason, without arriving at a Supreme Being.

“Religion is as necessary to reason, as reason is to religion,” Washington continued. “The one cannot exist without the other. A reasoning being would lose his reason, in attempting to account for the great phenomena of nature, had he not a Supreme Being to refer to.”


Washington always believed that God had protected him during the French and Indian War, especially at the Battle of the Monongahela when Gen. Edward Braddock’s British forces, which included Washington, were ambushed and defeated near the river.

“By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence I have been protected, beyond all human probability or expectation,” Washington wrote after the battle, “for I had four bullets through my coat and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt. Although death was leveling my companions on every side of me.”


In 1780, Washington gave God the credit for foiling Benedict Arnold’s plot to commit treason and give the fortifications at West Point to the British. “In no instance, since the commencement of the war,” he wrote, “has the interposition of Providence appeared more remarkably conspicuous, than in the rescue of the post and garrison of West Point from Arnold’s villainous perfidy.”

In 1781, at the surrender of Yorktown, Washington said, “The interposing hand of Heaven, in the various instance of our extensive preparations for this operation, has been most conscious and remarkable.”

On more than one occasion, Washington gave credit for the founding of the nation and the government to God’s providence.

In 1788, Washington wrote, “We may, with a kind of pious and grateful exultation, trace the finger of Providence through these dark and mysterious events, which first induced the States to appoint a general convention, and then led them, one after another, by such steps as were best calculated to effect the object, into the adoption of a system recommended by that general convention; thereby, in all human probability, laying a lasting foundation for tranquility and happiness, when we had but too much reason to fear that confusion and misery were coming rapidly upon us.”

Later, in 1789 he wrote, “When I contemplate the interposition of Providence, as it was manifested in guiding us through the Revolution, in preparing us for the reception of a general government and in conciliating the good will of the people of America towards one another, after its adoption, I feel myself oppressed, and almost overwhelmed, with a sense of the Divine Munificence.”

In that same year Washington said, “May we unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the Great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties, properly and punctually; to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a government of wise, just and constitutional laws.”

But Washington also warned that year that “The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained.”

https://www.timesnews.net/living/features/our-first-president-was-a-strong-believer-in-god/article_c2900496-1be9-5e52-9bac-6bdadcb62399.html#:~:text=In%20his%20first%20year%20as,implore%20his%20protection%20and%20favor.”

So, what's your point? We already know that Washington was a Deist and nothing here disputes that. He makes no reference to the holy trinity or to Christianity. Also, he was a good politician and even if he were an atheist, like Thomas Paine, it's no surprise that he would keep it a secret, given the times he lived in.

NP. Deism is the belief that God created the universe and then does not interfere in that universe is contradicted by a belief in "[t]he interposing hand of Heaven" or that you're being protected "all-powerful dispensations of Providence." It's also inconsistent with begging God for pardon or expecting that disregarding the rules ordain by Heaven will lead to the loss of divine favor.

It's possible he was a Deist; some people who study Washington think that. It's also possible he wasn't; some people who study Washington think he wasn't. The quotes posted are not what a Deist would say. Personally I'm inclined to think he was a believer in a God who is active in human affairs but doubted some Christian beliefs, but treating it like its an open and shut case that he was a Deist is not supported by the historical evidence or the scholarly debate around the question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is impossible to account for the creation of the universe, without the agency of a Supreme Being,” he wrote. “It is impossible to govern the universe, without the aid of a Supreme Being. It is impossible to reason, without arriving at a Supreme Being.

“Religion is as necessary to reason, as reason is to religion,” Washington continued. “The one cannot exist without the other. A reasoning being would lose his reason, in attempting to account for the great phenomena of nature, had he not a Supreme Being to refer to.”


Washington always believed that God had protected him during the French and Indian War, especially at the Battle of the Monongahela when Gen. Edward Braddock’s British forces, which included Washington, were ambushed and defeated near the river.

“By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence I have been protected, beyond all human probability or expectation,” Washington wrote after the battle, “for I had four bullets through my coat and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt. Although death was leveling my companions on every side of me.”


In 1780, Washington gave God the credit for foiling Benedict Arnold’s plot to commit treason and give the fortifications at West Point to the British. “In no instance, since the commencement of the war,” he wrote, “has the interposition of Providence appeared more remarkably conspicuous, than in the rescue of the post and garrison of West Point from Arnold’s villainous perfidy.”

In 1781, at the surrender of Yorktown, Washington said, “The interposing hand of Heaven, in the various instance of our extensive preparations for this operation, has been most conscious and remarkable.”

On more than one occasion, Washington gave credit for the founding of the nation and the government to God’s providence.

In 1788, Washington wrote, “We may, with a kind of pious and grateful exultation, trace the finger of Providence through these dark and mysterious events, which first induced the States to appoint a general convention, and then led them, one after another, by such steps as were best calculated to effect the object, into the adoption of a system recommended by that general convention; thereby, in all human probability, laying a lasting foundation for tranquility and happiness, when we had but too much reason to fear that confusion and misery were coming rapidly upon us.”

Later, in 1789 he wrote, “When I contemplate the interposition of Providence, as it was manifested in guiding us through the Revolution, in preparing us for the reception of a general government and in conciliating the good will of the people of America towards one another, after its adoption, I feel myself oppressed, and almost overwhelmed, with a sense of the Divine Munificence.”

In that same year Washington said, “May we unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the Great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties, properly and punctually; to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a government of wise, just and constitutional laws.”

But Washington also warned that year that “The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained.”

https://www.timesnews.net/living/features/our-first-president-was-a-strong-believer-in-god/article_c2900496-1be9-5e52-9bac-6bdadcb62399.html#:~:text=In%20his%20first%20year%20as,implore%20his%20protection%20and%20favor.”

So, what's your point? We already know that Washington was a Deist and nothing here disputes that. He makes no reference to the holy trinity or to Christianity. Also, he was a good politician and even if he were an atheist, like Thomas Paine, it's no surprise that he would keep it a secret, given the times he lived in.

NP. Deism is the belief that God created the universe and then does not interfere in that universe is contradicted by a belief in "[t]he interposing hand of Heaven" or that you're being protected "all-powerful dispensations of Providence." It's also inconsistent with begging God for pardon or expecting that disregarding the rules ordain by Heaven will lead to the loss of divine favor.

It's possible he was a Deist; some people who study Washington think that. It's also possible he wasn't; some people who study Washington think he wasn't. The quotes posted are not what a Deist would say. Personally I'm inclined to think he was a believer in a God who is active in human affairs but doubted some Christian beliefs, but treating it like its an open and shut case that he was a Deist is not supported by the historical evidence or the scholarly debate around the question.

Considering that people to this day exaggerate or hide their religious beliefs in order to fit in, it's possible the Washington was doing the same. No way to know and each person can have their own thoughts about it. As was said earlier on this thread, the important thing was that he and the other founding fathers set up the US as a secular government.

[Anonymous]

Yet, with so much of Washington’s history preserved and at our fingertips, his religious beliefs are ever-debated.

Many note the lifelong Anglican was indeed a sincere Christian. Others argue Washington was religiously ambivalent while some others say he was a Deist. That is, someone who acknowledges God exists but believes He is detached from the activities of mankind. This faith debate marches on, even as Washington’s own words and materials seem to substantiate a devout, albeit private, confidence in traditional Christian teachings.

So in honor of George Washington’s birthday, here’s a look at 10 of his quotes recognizing God’s Providence:

1. “The Man must be bad indeed who can look upon the events of the American Revolution without feeling the warmest gratitude towards the great Author of the Universe whose divine interposition was so frequently manifested in our behalf.”

—Washington’s letter to Samuel Langdon, September 28, 1789

2. “May the same wonder-working Deity, who long since delivering the Hebrews from their Egyptian Oppressors planted them in the promised land—whose Providential Agency has lately been conspicuous in establishing these United States as an independent Nation—still continue to water them with the dews of Heaven and to make the inhabitants of every denomination participate in the temporal and spiritual blessings of that people whose God is Jehovah.”

—Letter to the Hebrew congregation of Savannah, Georgia

3. “Glorious indeed has been our Contest: glorious, if we consider the Prize for which we have contended, and glorious in its Issue; but in the midst of our Joys, I hope we shall not forget that, to divine Providence is to be ascribed the Glory and the Praise.”

—Letter to Reverend John Rodgers, June 11, 1783

4. “I flatter myself that a superintending Providence is ordering everything for the best, and that, in due time, all will end well.”

—Letter to Landon Carter regarding American patriot’s prisoners in the North, October 27, 1777

5. “It is not a little pleasing, nor less wonderful to contemplate, that after two years Manoeuvring and undergoing the strangest vicissitudes that perhaps ever attended any one contest since the creation both Armies are brought back to the very point they set out from and, that that, which was the offending party in the beginning is now reduced to the use of the spade and pick axe for defense. The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations, but, it will be time enough for me to turn preacher, when my present appointment ceases; and therefore, I shall add no more on the Doctrine of Providence…”

—Private letter to Brigadier General Thomas Nelson, August 20, 1778

6. “What will be the consequences of our Arming for self defense, that Providence, who permits these doings in the Disturbers of Mankind; and who rules and Governs all things, alone can tell. To its all powerful decrees we must submit, whilst we hope that the injustice of our Cause if War, must ensue, will entitle us to its Protection.”

—Letter to Revered Jonathan Boucher, August 15, 1798

7. “And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions, to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly…”

—Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation, October 3, 1789

8. “I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would…most graciously be pleas’d to dispose us all to do Justice, to love mercy and to demean ourselves, with that Charity, humility & pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristicks of the Divine Author of our blessed Religion & without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation.”

—Washington’s Circular Letter to the States, June 8, 1783

9. “Whereas it becomes us humbly to approach the throne of Almighty God, with gratitude and praise for the wonders which his goodness has wrought in conducting our fore-fathers to this western world…and above all, that he hath diffused the glorious light of the gospel, whereby, through the merits of our gracious Redeemer, we may become the heirs of his eternal glory.”

—Washington’s General Orders, November 27, 1779

10. “While I reiterate the professions of my dependence upon Heaven as the source of all public and private blessings; I will observe that the general prevalence of piety, philanthropy, honesty, industry, and economy seems, in the ordinary course of human affairs particularly necessary for advancing and conforming the happiness of our country.”

—Answering a letter from the General Assembly of Presbyterian Churches in the United States, May 1789

Washington was definitely an atheist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yet, with so much of Washington’s history preserved and at our fingertips, his religious beliefs are ever-debated.

Many note the lifelong Anglican was indeed a sincere Christian. Others argue Washington was religiously ambivalent while some others say he was a Deist. That is, someone who acknowledges God exists but believes He is detached from the activities of mankind. This faith debate marches on, even as Washington’s own words and materials seem to substantiate a devout, albeit private, confidence in traditional Christian teachings.

So in honor of George Washington’s birthday, here’s a look at 10 of his quotes recognizing God’s Providence:

1. “The Man must be bad indeed who can look upon the events of the American Revolution without feeling the warmest gratitude towards the great Author of the Universe whose divine interposition was so frequently manifested in our behalf.”

—Washington’s letter to Samuel Langdon, September 28, 1789

2. “May the same wonder-working Deity, who long since delivering the Hebrews from their Egyptian Oppressors planted them in the promised land—whose Providential Agency has lately been conspicuous in establishing these United States as an independent Nation—still continue to water them with the dews of Heaven and to make the inhabitants of every denomination participate in the temporal and spiritual blessings of that people whose God is Jehovah.”

—Letter to the Hebrew congregation of Savannah, Georgia

3. “Glorious indeed has been our Contest: glorious, if we consider the Prize for which we have contended, and glorious in its Issue; but in the midst of our Joys, I hope we shall not forget that, to divine Providence is to be ascribed the Glory and the Praise.”

—Letter to Reverend John Rodgers, June 11, 1783

4. “I flatter myself that a superintending Providence is ordering everything for the best, and that, in due time, all will end well.”

—Letter to Landon Carter regarding American patriot’s prisoners in the North, October 27, 1777

5. “It is not a little pleasing, nor less wonderful to contemplate, that after two years Manoeuvring and undergoing the strangest vicissitudes that perhaps ever attended any one contest since the creation both Armies are brought back to the very point they set out from and, that that, which was the offending party in the beginning is now reduced to the use of the spade and pick axe for defense. The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations, but, it will be time enough for me to turn preacher, when my present appointment ceases; and therefore, I shall add no more on the Doctrine of Providence…”

—Private letter to Brigadier General Thomas Nelson, August 20, 1778

6. “What will be the consequences of our Arming for self defense, that Providence, who permits these doings in the Disturbers of Mankind; and who rules and Governs all things, alone can tell. To its all powerful decrees we must submit, whilst we hope that the injustice of our Cause if War, must ensue, will entitle us to its Protection.”

—Letter to Revered Jonathan Boucher, August 15, 1798

7. “And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions, to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly…”

—Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation, October 3, 1789

8. “I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would…most graciously be pleas’d to dispose us all to do Justice, to love mercy and to demean ourselves, with that Charity, humility & pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristicks of the Divine Author of our blessed Religion & without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation.”

—Washington’s Circular Letter to the States, June 8, 1783

9. “Whereas it becomes us humbly to approach the throne of Almighty God, with gratitude and praise for the wonders which his goodness has wrought in conducting our fore-fathers to this western world…and above all, that he hath diffused the glorious light of the gospel, whereby, through the merits of our gracious Redeemer, we may become the heirs of his eternal glory.”

—Washington’s General Orders, November 27, 1779

10. “While I reiterate the professions of my dependence upon Heaven as the source of all public and private blessings; I will observe that the general prevalence of piety, philanthropy, honesty, industry, and economy seems, in the ordinary course of human affairs particularly necessary for advancing and conforming the happiness of our country.”

—Answering a letter from the General Assembly of Presbyterian Churches in the United States, May 1789

Washington was definitely an atheist.

https://juicyecumenism.com/2017/02/20/10-george-washington-quotes-pointing-to-gods-providence/ link to above quotes

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why do atheists obsess-post every day?

NP. Say you feel threatened by non-Christians without saying you feel threatened by non-Christians.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Deism
Believe in a Creator based on natural observations.
The Creator doesn’t intervene.
Don’t believe in any holy books coming from the Creator.
Don’t believe in heaven and hell or reincarnation.
I just found out my belief system is deism and the founding fathers agree with me for the most part.

What do you think happens when you die?

I believe everything came from the creator and everything will go back to the creator.
Like rain joining an ocean, we will be like how we were before our birth .

That's the Catholic definition of heaven in a nut shell, except it includes free will, where a soul can choose to remain separate from the Creator (aka hell).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“ Subordination and obedience to Government “ ?
What do you think of that?

That means we expect citizens to obey the laws of the land.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yet, with so much of Washington’s history preserved and at our fingertips, his religious beliefs are ever-debated.

Many note the lifelong Anglican was indeed a sincere Christian. Others argue Washington was religiously ambivalent while some others say he was a Deist. That is, someone who acknowledges God exists but believes He is detached from the activities of mankind. This faith debate marches on, even as Washington’s own words and materials seem to substantiate a devout, albeit private, confidence in traditional Christian teachings.

So in honor of George Washington’s birthday, here’s a look at 10 of his quotes recognizing God’s Providence:

1. “The Man must be bad indeed who can look upon the events of the American Revolution without feeling the warmest gratitude towards the great Author of the Universe whose divine interposition was so frequently manifested in our behalf.”

—Washington’s letter to Samuel Langdon, September 28, 1789

2. “May the same wonder-working Deity, who long since delivering the Hebrews from their Egyptian Oppressors planted them in the promised land—whose Providential Agency has lately been conspicuous in establishing these United States as an independent Nation—still continue to water them with the dews of Heaven and to make the inhabitants of every denomination participate in the temporal and spiritual blessings of that people whose God is Jehovah.”

—Letter to the Hebrew congregation of Savannah, Georgia

3. “Glorious indeed has been our Contest: glorious, if we consider the Prize for which we have contended, and glorious in its Issue; but in the midst of our Joys, I hope we shall not forget that, to divine Providence is to be ascribed the Glory and the Praise.”

—Letter to Reverend John Rodgers, June 11, 1783

4. “I flatter myself that a superintending Providence is ordering everything for the best, and that, in due time, all will end well.”

—Letter to Landon Carter regarding American patriot’s prisoners in the North, October 27, 1777

5. “It is not a little pleasing, nor less wonderful to contemplate, that after two years Manoeuvring and undergoing the strangest vicissitudes that perhaps ever attended any one contest since the creation both Armies are brought back to the very point they set out from and, that that, which was the offending party in the beginning is now reduced to the use of the spade and pick axe for defense. The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations, but, it will be time enough for me to turn preacher, when my present appointment ceases; and therefore, I shall add no more on the Doctrine of Providence…”

—Private letter to Brigadier General Thomas Nelson, August 20, 1778

6. “What will be the consequences of our Arming for self defense, that Providence, who permits these doings in the Disturbers of Mankind; and who rules and Governs all things, alone can tell. To its all powerful decrees we must submit, whilst we hope that the injustice of our Cause if War, must ensue, will entitle us to its Protection.”

—Letter to Revered Jonathan Boucher, August 15, 1798

7. “And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions, to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly…”

—Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation, October 3, 1789

8. “I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would…most graciously be pleas’d to dispose us all to do Justice, to love mercy and to demean ourselves, with that Charity, humility & pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristicks of the Divine Author of our blessed Religion & without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation.”

—Washington’s Circular Letter to the States, June 8, 1783

9. “Whereas it becomes us humbly to approach the throne of Almighty God, with gratitude and praise for the wonders which his goodness has wrought in conducting our fore-fathers to this western world…and above all, that he hath diffused the glorious light of the gospel, whereby, through the merits of our gracious Redeemer, we may become the heirs of his eternal glory.”

—Washington’s General Orders, November 27, 1779

10. “While I reiterate the professions of my dependence upon Heaven as the source of all public and private blessings; I will observe that the general prevalence of piety, philanthropy, honesty, industry, and economy seems, in the ordinary course of human affairs particularly necessary for advancing and conforming the happiness of our country.”

—Answering a letter from the General Assembly of Presbyterian Churches in the United States, May 1789

Washington was definitely an atheist.

Pointing out 2 things:

- Most people don't claim Washington was an atheist
- All your quotes don't mention "Jesus" or "Christ" even once. Wonder why?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Deism
Believe in a Creator based on natural observations.
The Creator doesn’t intervene.
Don’t believe in any holy books coming from the Creator.
Don’t believe in heaven and hell or reincarnation.
I just found out my belief system is deism and the founding fathers agree with me for the most part.

What do you think happens when you die?

I believe everything came from the creator and everything will go back to the creator.
Like rain joining an ocean, we will be like how we were before our birth .

That's the Catholic definition of heaven in a nut shell, except it includes free will, where a soul can choose to remain separate from the Creator (aka hell).

Isn’t free will for humans on earth and not for souls to choose?
Is the Protestant view different than Catholic ?