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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>'''.  

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>'''.  

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."'''<need citation for this also>'''

==Franklin's "Creed"==

==Franklin's "Creed"==

In adulthood, in 1792, shortly before his death, he wrote, in a letter to Ezra Stiles, president of Yale:

In adulthood, in 1792, shortly before his death, he wrote, in a letter to Ezra Stiles, president of Yale: