Bringing to life the complex creeds and personalities of America's Founding Fathers, this book confronts many of the myths about the religious views of some of the most notable figures in history. Offering clear and candid portraits of Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Paine, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison as both religious reformers and political rebels, this analysis tells the illuminating story of these unorthodox men of faith and thought and reclaims their spiritual inheritance for all Americans. Providing a careful examination of how the Founders’ nature-based spirituality was tied to their fascination with science, this record includes discussions on Washington’s aversion to using the word "God" in public pronouncements, Jefferson's mathematical calculations to show that the biblical great flood would have been impossible, and Paine's thoughts on the possibilities of alien life.

"An interesting and valuable contribution to the growing literature of the Founders and their precious legacy of freedom of religion."  —Willard Sterne Randall, author, Thomas Jefferson: A Life

“Imaginatively conceived and very well-written.”  —Jon Roberts, author, Darwinism and the Divine in America

"A masterful synthesis of the founding fathers' spiritual inclinations."  —James E. McWilliams, author, A Revolution in Eating: How the Quest for Food Shaped America

"To the ongoing debate over the place of religion in the early Republic, Gary Kowalski has made a vigorous, thoughtful, and eminently readable contribution."  —Forrest Church, author, So Help Me God: The Founding Fathers and the First Great Battle over Church and State

"Should be read for the sheer joy of the read, certainly; but more to the point, it should be required reading for every voting American."  —Phyllis Tickle, author, The Shaping of a Life

"A well written look at the beliefs held by America's founding fathers, this readable book will appeal to anyone interested in learning what drove the authors of the Constitution."  —MonstersandCritics.com

Gary Kowalski is the senior minister of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, Vermont. He is the author of Goodbye, Friend; Science and the Search for God; and The Souls of Animals. He lives in Burlington, Vermont.

Imprint: Bluebridge
Distributor: Independent Pub Group
Publication Date: 02-01-2008
Pages: 224
Measurements: 8.50in X 5.25in X 0.85lb