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'''Benjamin Franklin'''(1706-1790) was one of the [[Founding Fathers]]. He was never [[President]], but he was [[ambassador]] to [[France]], and also he is on the $100 dollar bill. Benjamin Franklin was a prolific inventor, he invented the Franklin stove and the [[bifocal]] and also discovered [[electricity]] with the kite experiment in a lightning storm. Benjamin Franklin is truly a great American.

'''Benjamin Franklin'''(1706-1790) was one of the [[Founding Fathers]]. He was never [[President]], but he was [[ambassador]] to [[France]], and also he is on the $100 dollar bill. Benjamin Franklin was a prolific inventor, he invented the Franklin stove and the [[bifocal]] and also discovered [[electricity]] with the kite experiment in a lightning storm. Benjamin Franklin is truly a great American.

Many historians believe that Benjamin Franklin was a [[Deism|deist]] rather than a Christian.  But although Franklin wrote widely, he rarely made statements associated with principles of Deism.  Instead, Franklin proposed saying prayers at the [[Constitutional Convention]]. At most 5% of the Founding Fathers were deists and historians tend to exaggerate this number in an attempt to deny the Christian basis for the United States.

Many historians believe that Benjamin Franklin was a [[Deism|deist]] rather than a Christian.  But although Franklin wrote widely, he rarely made statements associated with principles of Deism.  Instead, Franklin proposed saying prayers at the [[Constitutional Convention]] '''<need citation for this>'''. At most 5% of the Founding Fathers were deists and historians tend to exaggerate this number in an attempt to deny the Christian basis for the United States.

A quote from Franklin's autobiography would seem to clear up this debate. "Some books against Deism fell into my hands; they were said to be the substance of sermons preached at Boyle’s Lectures. It happened that they wrought an effect on me quite contrary to what was intended by them; for the arguments of the Deists, which were quoted to be refuted, appeared to me much stronger than the refutations; in short, I soon became a thorough Deist."

A quote from Franklin's autobiography would seem to clear up this debate. "Some books against Deism fell into my hands; they were said to be the substance of sermons preached at Boyle’s Lectures. It happened that they wrought an effect on me quite contrary to what was intended by them; for the arguments of the Deists, which were quoted to be refuted, appeared to me much stronger than the refutations; in short, I soon became a thorough Deist."