Benjamin Franklin: Cultural Protestant

Benjamin Franklin was a prominent leader in Philadelphia, a world-renowned scientist, and the United States' leading diplomat during the War for Independence. He grew up in a devout Protestant family with limited prospects for wealth and fame, and his work as a printer, civic reformer, institution builder, scientist, inventor, writer, self-help dispenser, politician, and statesman was deeply rooted in the culture and outlook that Protestantism nurtured. He acknowledged his debt to his creator, reveled in the natural world guided by providence, and conducted himself in a way to merit divine approval.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 272 pages
\n Publication date: 17 June 2021
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press
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Benjamin Franklin, born into a devout Protestant family with limited prospects for wealth and fame, embarked on a remarkable journey that led him to become one of Philadelphia's most prominent leaders, a world-renowned scientist, and the United States' leading diplomat during the War for Independence. Through a combination of hard work, boundless curiosity, innate intelligence, and what he referred to as providence, Franklin emerged as a beacon of success.

Growing up in Puritan Boston, Franklin was deeply influenced by the Protestant ethics and cultural habits he learned and observed during his youth. These values shaped his work as a printer, civic reformer, institution builder, scientist, inventor, writer, self-help dispenser, politician, and statesman.

Protestantism, with its alternatives to medieval church and society, provided the foundation for Franklin's life and achievements. It fostered societies that valued individualism, hard work, and personal responsibility, which allowed Franklin to pursue his passions and make a lasting impact on the world.

While Franklin did not subscribe to all of Protestantism's doctrines or observe its worship in its entirety, he acknowledged his debt to his creator, reveled in the natural world guided by providence, and conducted himself in a way that sought divine approval.

In this biography, D. G. Hart recognizes Franklin as a cultural or non-observant Protestant, someone who thought of himself as a Presbyterian, ordered his life as other Protestants did, sometimes attended worship services, read his Bible, and prayed, but could not fully join a church.

Franklin's life serves as a testament to the power of cultural Protestantism and the impact it had on shaping individuals and societies throughout history. His legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the importance of hard work, curiosity, and a commitment to personal growth and improvement.

\n Weight: 398g\n
Dimension: 205 x 138 x 19 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780198788997\n \n