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The Myth of Christian America  /  MCA (13 of 14): Faith of the Founding Fathers #3  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 7
Franklin “called in the aid of religion” by proposing a public fast to seek God’s blessing on military defense; what does this reveal about how some founders treated God (as moral governor and helper), and how does that compare with the early Christian reluctance to blend prayer with preparation for violence?
Another way to ask: Franklin suggested a public fast to ask God to help in military defense. What does this show about seeing God as a helper for national goals, and how does it compare to early Christians being cautious about mixing prayer with preparing for violence?

Direct Answer Bercot presents Franklin as someone who believed prayer and fasting were effective and could be used to seek divine help for public goals like military defense, which contrasts with the “two kingdoms” instinct Bercot later affirms—keeping Christ’s church distinct from the state’s violent aims.

Support from Transcript:

  • Franklin, organizing defense, writes: “Calling in the aid of religion, I proposed…a fast…to implore the blessing of heaven on our undertaking.”
  • Bercot emphasizes this was sincere: Franklin “did believe very much in the effectiveness of prayer and…fasting…not just a show.”
  • Franklin’s creed presents God as Creator, providential governor, and judge who rewards justice in the next life—fitting the “moral governor and helper” picture.
  • Bercot categorizes him as deist-like but with “real faith…real belief in the efficacy of prayer.”
  • Bercot later contrasts his own view of the two kingdoms: “that is how Jesus established His church,” implying prayer should not be harnessed to state violence.
  • He notes the founders generally valued country over faith, having “no hesitation to kill” opponents—setting a backdrop for how prayer and war were mixed.
Discussion Follow-ups How can Christians pray for leaders without baptizing violent projects? What does it reveal about our theology when prayer becomes a tool to “bless our undertaking”?

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