A deist is no where near the same thing as an atheist, as you claimed in your post.
You need to understand that many men of the era, would be very careful with their language as they had just come out of a "State" church rule in England. These men knew at the very basic core of belief, that no state could force one to believe in God or Christ. It had to be an individual thing(and still is as God calls you, not the state) Yet the many quotes and letters shows the type of men they were. Did they write stuff making sure that we did not end up with a "state" church>? Yes, and I am glad they did. But they, for the most part, recognized where morality, humility, goodness, etc etc comes from, and it was not in self but from God.
Were there a few atheists? probably
Were there a few deists? yes
But by and large, these were men of faith in God and Christ. And it is THAT reason you have freedom to choose NOT to worship. Not becasue any were trying to deny their faith. |
