Having been reared in a family that was both religious and Franklin, I eagerly read Steve Crain’s article “Separating God From Ben Franklin” in The Pilot’s Sept. 3 issue. Ben Franklin and scripture quotations were so confounded from my childhood that I have taken every opportunity since to learn about differences between Ben Franklin’s beliefs (our true founding father) and the religious beliefs of my devout Christian family. Points made in Mr Crain’s article are far off the mark.

It is true that Franklin endorsed the moral teachings of Christ, but it is misleading to imply that he considered Christianity a state religion. It is equally erroneous to describe his personal faith as Christian. It is true that he was co-author of the phrase “In God We Trust” for printed currency, but he never endorsed the Christian view of salvation through faith. Rather, he viewed salvation as a privilege one earns through good deeds. The use of this phrase on currency was an intentional affront to King George rather than an endorsement of any religious faith.

Franklin’s view of religion was one of tolerance. He supported Judaism, Islam and Christianity both financially and personally. He was an outspoken critic of religious participation in civil affairs. He would be more likely to personally pay for the removal of religious statuary from an Alabama courthouse than support its presence. Franklin’s principal support of religion was based on his belief that people who practiced religion of any type were better citizens than those who did not. For most of his later adult life he personally avoided organized religion, and most often ridiculed religious leaders.

My personal view is that Franklin was correct in both his religious tolerance and the his desire for the separation of church and state.

Ronald D. Franklin, PhD

Pinehurst