»
Migisi
- Franklin
In response to
Franklin posted by
BrianTubbs:
.
His speech at the Constitutional Convention calling for prayer, for example, was NOT the kind of thing a humanist would say..
Franklin's writings do convey his belief in one univeral supreme being. But what was his motivation to submit a proposal for morning prayer at the Convention?
.
http://personal.pitnet.net/primarysource..."I therefore beg leave to move-that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that Service- "
.
Being a political genius, Franklin knew that calling for prayer would unite conventioneers, at this Convention which was fraught with divisiveness. And giving each church leader the opportunity to lead the morning prayer session would appeal to that preacher's (and his congregation's) recognition and pride, thus including and uniting the various sects to support the Convention. If prayer began each day, decisions made during the Convention would also be seen God-approved by the faithful. As I see it, anyway.
.
Maybe we can discuss what ideas might be commonly shared by people who are labeled 'secular humanists'? From what I've read, being a philosopy, it's really not a 'one belief' system and isn't limited by any specific doctrine.