While Christianity and Enlightenment thought have coexisted and interacted for centuries, their core principles diverge significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial for appreciating human thought and understanding the founder’s thoughts expressed in our constitution. Was America founded as a Christian nation? The short answer is no.
The majority of the Founding Fathers of the United States were Protestants. The largest number of them were raised in three major Christian traditions of colonial America: Anglicanism, Presbyterianism, and Congregationalism. Other Protestant groups included the Society of Friends (Quakers), the Lutherans, and the Dutch Reformed. Out of all the Founders, only three of them had Roman Catholic heritage, namely Charles Carroll and Daniel Carroll of Maryland and Thomas Fitzsimmons of Pennsylvania.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Deistic thought gained immense popularity in colleges. This influenced many educated and uneducated men of the Revolutionary generation. Although these men continued to publicly affiliate with Christianity, they might have held unorthodox religious views inwardly. Depending on the degree to which Americans of Christian background were influenced by Deism, their religious beliefs would fall into one of three categories: non-Christian Deism, Christian Deism, or orthodox Christianity. George Washington and Ben Franklin leaned towards Deism; they were also Masons.
Many of the Founding Fathers, including at least nine signers of the Declaration of Independence, were Freemasons. George Washington, Ben Franklin, Paul Revere, and Justice John Marshall, among others, were all active members of various lodges throughout the American colonies. 18th-century Masonry shared many beliefs with Enlightenment philosophies, which also underpinned the American Revolution and our founding documents.
Divine Revelation vs. Human Reason:
Christianity rests on the foundation of divine revelation, where God communicates with humanity through prophets and scripture. This revelation is the ultimate source of truth and authority, guiding human understanding and shaping moral codes. In contrast, Enlightenment thinkers emphasized human reason and empirical evidence as the primary tools for acquiring knowledge and understanding the world. They believed in the power of critical thinking to dismantle superstition and unlock universal truths through observation and experimentation.
Individual vs. Collective Authority:
Christianity historically advocated for a hierarchical structure, with the Church holding ultimate authority on matters of faith and morality. Individuals were expected to adhere to the teachings and dictates of the Church leadership. Enlightenment thinkers, on the other hand, championed individual liberty and autonomy. They believed that each person possessed the inherent capacity for reason and could discern truth and morality independently. This led to natural rights, universal freedoms granted to all individuals regardless of their social status or religious beliefs.
Salvation vs. Progress:
Christianity focuses on salvation, the deliverance from sin, and its consequences through faith in Jesus Christ. This salvation is often seen as a personal journey to eternal life in the afterlife. Enlightenment thinkers, however, emphasized progress in the present world. They believed in the perfectibility of human society through education, scientific advancement, and social reform. Their focus was on improving the material conditions of life and creating a more just and equitable world for all.
Absolute vs. Relative Truth:
Christianity traditionally presents a set of absolute truths God reveals and enshrines in scripture. These truths are considered unchanging and universally applicable. Enlightenment thinkers, however, embraced a more nuanced view of truth. They recognized that knowledge and understanding evolve over time, and what may be considered valid in one era could be challenged and revised in the future. This led to a more open and critical approach to knowledge, willing to accept new evidence and adapt perspectives.
Intersections and Influences:
Despite these differences, Christianity and Enlightenment thought have also interacted and influenced each other in various ways. While advocating for reason and individual liberty, many Enlightenment thinkers still held Christian beliefs and values. Movements like Christian socialism and liberation theology emerged, seeking to reconcile Christian teachings with social justice and human liberation. The concept of natural rights, championed by Enlightenment thinkers, also found resonance within Christian traditions, contributing to the development of human rights advocacy and social reform movements.
Navigating the Tapestry:
Understanding the differences between Christianity and Enlightenment thought does not require choosing one over the other. Instead, it allows for a more nuanced appreciation of the diverse tapestry of human thought. Recognizing these differences can help us engage in respectful dialogue across ideological lines, navigate complex ethical dilemmas, and appreciate the ongoing evolution of human understanding.
Christianity and Enlightenment thinking are two distinct philosophical movements that have shaped the course of Western civilization. Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. At the same time, Enlightenment thinking is a philosophical movement that emerged in the 18th century and emphasized reason, science, and individualism.
At the core of Christianity is the belief in a personal God who created the universe and is actively involved in the lives of human beings. Christianity also emphasizes the importance of faith, morality, and the afterlife. In contrast, Enlightenment thinking is characterized by a focus on reason and empirical evidence. Enlightenment thinkers believed knowledge could be gained through observation and experimentation rather than divine revelation.
One of the critical differences between Christianity and Enlightenment thinking is their approach to knowledge. Christianity emphasizes the importance of faith and divine revelation, while Enlightenment thinking emphasizes the importance of reason and empirical evidence. This difference in practice has led to different views on various issues, including the nature of reality, the role of science, and the relationship between religion and politics.
Another critical difference between Christianity’s and Enlightenment’s thinking is their view of human nature. Christianity teaches that human beings are inherently flawed and that salvation can only be achieved through faith in Jesus Christ. On the other hand, Enlightenment thinking emphasizes the importance of reason and individualism. Enlightenment thinkers believed that human beings were capable of reason and that they could use reason to improve their lives and society.
